Liberal groups are finding Kamala Harris polls well with some groups as Biden struggles

WASHINGTON — As President Joe Biden continues to face pressure to step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris is balancing being ready to step in for him and defending him to party donors and operatives — including some who have already begun investing in bolstering Harris no matter which position she ultimately ends up in on the ticket.

They are dedicating resources to advertising and collecting polling data on public perceptions of Harris as many Democrats have begun coalescing around the idea that she could not be passed over if Biden dropped out and as Republicans have stepped up attacks against her since Biden’s dismal debate.

And while Harris has made it clear she remains loyal to Biden, her support within the party has grown in the last two weeks, especially as research from some Democratic groups finds she could be particularly good at mobilizing young, Black and Latino voters.

“All of her political supporters are buzzing about the possibility that she could be the presidential nominee,” said Jamal Simmons, who worked for a year as Harris’ communications director. “I’m sure it’s awkward to have so many people talking about her replacing the president on the ticket while she is still in the White House, working with the president’s team every day and seeing him every day.”

Simmons, though, added that he is not surprised that Harris has remained so loyal to Biden because when he served in the White House, Harris consistently made it clear in her actions and words that she saw her role as being a partner to Biden.

“She’s doing what her job is, which is helping to keep the party together and being a strong partner,” Simmons said. “Over the last couple of weeks, many people who