Top House Democrat warns his party would be hurt by passing over Kamala Harris

A top House Democrat has warned that his party would suffer if Vice President Kamala Harris is overlooked should President Bide withdraw from his re-election bid.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who chaired the House Jan. 6 committee, told Axios that Democrats cannot easily sideline Harris if they want to argue that Biden's presidency has been good for the country. 

He said Harris is "incredibly strong ... you can't say Biden has done a good job without saying she's done a good job." 

For Harris to be passed over for the nomination "would be the kiss of death for the party," he said, per Axios.

Thompson was one of many Democratic officials who emphasized to the outlet that Harris is the party's only viable candidate for the presidency if Biden steps aside. She alone would have access to the Biden-Harris campaign's funds, as well as endorsements from the Biden family, Obamas and Clintons.

Additionally, it would be a bad look for Democrats to tell the first woman vice president, first Black American vice president and first South Asian vice president she should not be the party standard-bearer. To do so would risk revolt from the progressive base and could alienate Black voters.