Van Jones says Democrats maybe gearing up to run Kamala Harris for president after Joe Biden's shaky debate performance

WASHINGTON, DC: Van Jones has suggested that the Democratic Party may be gearing up to run Vice President Kamala Harris for president despite President Joe Biden's continued presence in the 2024 race.

On Sunday, July 6, the political commentator spoke on CNN's 'State of The Union' to highlight the significant divide within the Democratic Party following Biden's shaky debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27.

Van Jones says Democratic Party is 'no longer united'

Van Jones stated that Biden's underwhelming debate performance has negatively impacted the party's unity and prospects.

“[Biden’s] still in the race and he’s doing what he’s supposed to do. I’m glad to see him out there. I’m glad he’s doing interviews," said Jones.

"I’m glad he’s doing all those things. The challenge is that the numbers are not encouraging, and the party is no longer united,” he continued.

Later, Jones added, “I think people are hoping that [Biden] will recognize we’re running Kamala Harris for president right now. That’s who we’re running."

Kamala Harris as potential nominee

Jones pointed out that many Democrats, while still fond of Biden, are increasingly doubtful of his ability to defeat Trump in the upcoming November election.

The political analyst, who is one of the most vocal critics in the party, suggested that the party is essentially running Harris for president regardless of Biden's official standing.

“Nobody believes Joe Biden can be president in four years. And so, we’re in the worst possible world because she can’t defend herself, she has to defend him,” said Jones.

“We can’t defend her; we have to defend him. We’re basically running Kamala Harris anyway, let’s run Kamala Harris and let her get out there and defend herself," he continued.

“The reality is we are running Kamala Harris for president one way or the other. I’d rather run for president in the strongest way rather than the weakest way,” Jones added.

Van Jones says Democrats are concerned with 'how' to replace Joe Biden

Jones who called Biden's debate performance "painful" suggested that behind closed doors, Democrats are more concerned with how to replace Biden at the top of the ticket rather than if they should.

Following the lackluster debate performance, several House Democrats urged Biden to reconsider his reelection bid.

In a private call on Sunday, July 6, at least four senior House Democrats stated Biden to drop out and five other Democratic lawmakers calling on hum to quit the race, according to The Hill.

However, Biden has remained firm in his stance to continue his reelection campaign.

The president affirmed in a recent fundraising mail that nobody is “pushing” him “out.”

“I’m the Democratic Party’s nominee. No one is pushing me out. I’m not leaving, I’m in this race to the end, and WE are going to win this election," he continued.

"If that’s all you need to hear, pitch in a few bucks to help [Vice President Harris] and me defeat Donald Trump in November," read the fundraising mail.