Some analysts say road to US presidency could be tough for Harris
Harris was endorsed by incumbent president, Joe Biden, after he crashed out of the presidential race on Sunday.
US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a political event at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience in Portage, Michigan, on July 17, 2024. Picture: JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Some analysts believe the United State's Vice President Kamala Harris could have a tough time convincing conservative voters to pick her for the top job at the White House.
This comes as she kicks off her bid for the presidency.
Harris was endorsed by incumbent president, Joe Biden, after he crashed out of the presidential race on Sunday amid speculation his age and cognitive ability were weighing him down in the tough race.
Only hours after US President Biden endorsed his second-in-command Harris to replace him on the Democratic ticket, there's already speculation about America's readiness for a black female president.
International relations expert, Christopher Isike, said that America was likely to hold race and gender against Harris.
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"It is not completely lost on anyone that American politics has a conservative streak which is built around racism and sexism that can impact on a black candidate that is female," said Isike.
Washington DC bureau chief at The Guardian, David Smith added: "I expect Republicans to serve up a fair amount of racism and sexism. This election could get ugly indeed."
The upcoming Democratic National Convention is expected to decide if Democrats will stick with Harris as their preferred pick or if more nominees will emerge.