As the field for Joe Biden tightens after his disastrous debate with Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris is seen as the top alternative to replace the US president if he ultimately decides not to continue the campaign. , seven senior sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on condition of anonymity from the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

Some influential Democrats have suggested alternatives such as Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania. But sources say trying to bypass Kamala Harris is wishful thinking and would be next to impossible.

If Kamala, 59, were to be announced as the presidential nominee to replace Biden, she would take over money raised by Biden’s campaign and inherit the campaign’s infrastructure, the sources said. He also has the highest profile of all the alternatives and the highest polling position among Democrats who could be considered a serious contender, the sources added.

In a Reuters/Ipsos poll released last Tuesday, Kamala Harris trailed Trump by one percentage point at 42% to 43%, statistically just as strong as Biden.

Also, US Rep. Jim Clyburn, the man behind Biden’s 2020 victory, told MSNBC that he would support Harris if she runs for the Democratic nomination and Biden drops out.

“It’s almost impossible to win the nomination against the vice president,” said Michael Trujillo, a California Democratic strategist who worked on Hillary Clinton’s 2008 and 2016 campaigns.