Is Kamala Harris Capable of Being the President of the United States from Day One?
Among the four potential candidates, Kamala Harris stands out as the most intelligent, capable, and decisive individual, particularly under pressure. Her rise to significant political positions such as Assistant Attorney General (AG) demonstrates her merit-based achievements. In contrast, former President Donald Trump demonstrated how he managed the country and his responses under pressure, while Vice President Mike Pence seemed to lack leadership qualities. Trump chose Pence not only for evangelical support but also to ensure that he would never overshadow the president. Pence's impeccable loyalty and ability to dodge difficult questions without making mistakes made him a suitable vice president. However, as a president, Biden appears to be a safe and capable politician, a decent man who might help heal the country. However, there are concerns that he might enable a toxic status quo, reminiscent of his predecessor, President Barack Obama.
Preparedness for the Presidency
Even the best presidents face a learning curve. While Joe Biden was vice president for eight years, Kamala Harris will have ample time to learn the ropes as vice president. Both Biden and Harris are significantly better prepared for the presidency compared to President Trump during the current unprecedented crisis. Trump, with his litany of lies and mismanagement during the coronavirus pandemic, clearly showed that he was not ready for the job. Even if no one is truly ready to step into the presidency on day one, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden offer a far better alternative.
Experience and Knowledge
Kamala Harris' experience and knowledge are evident, making her a formidable candidate. In contrast, Trump was elected based on his inexperience and lack of knowledge. The current situation in the United States is worse, and lives are being lost due to Trump's mismanagement. Historically, some vice presidents like Gerald Ford and Nelson Rockefeller performed well despite initial assumptions of being less capable.
When evaluating former presidents, it is instructive to consider the consensus that emerges a century or more after their tenure. If the United States remains a republic or democracy a hundred years from now, historians are likely to agree that Donald Trump was among the worst presidents. On the other hand, if the country has evolved into something completely different, the situation becomes more uncertain. The idea of a country being run by a committee of the presidents of the ten largest corporations in the world is absurd. If the United States does become a purely capitalist nation, President Trump may be seen as one of the founding fathers in a new capitalist era.
In summary, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden are significantly more prepared and capable to lead the United States during these challenging times, compared to the past administration. The readiness and experience of political leaders are crucial as the nation faces unprecedented challenges. Kamala Harris is an excellent candidate to lead the country with her intelligence, decisiveness, and the experience she has gained through her career.