Harris Is Learning Why Sitting Vice Presidents Almost Never Get Elected To Succeed a President

Being veep has many benefits but almost always fails to propel its occupant to the Oval Office.

AP/Stephanie Scarbrough
President Biden and Vice President Harris at an event at Prince George's Community College in Maryland. AP/Stephanie Scarbrough

The vice president’s office in the West Wing has many benefits, but it almost always fails to propel its occupant directly to the oval one down the hall. Vice President Harris is confronting just how hard it is to earn that promotion. Her struggle — emerging from the shadow of a president she serves and chart a fresh course — has no easy solution.

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