There is a significant possibility that Vice President Kamala Harris could become the first woman president of the United States in 2025. With President Joe Biden officially withdrawing from the presidential race and endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee, she is poised to run against Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.

This endorsement marks a historic moment, offering Harris a clear path to potentially becoming the first female president and a woman of color in that role.

While the potential for Harris to make history is exciting, it is tempered by a sense of bittersweetness. If Harris secures the nomination and wins, there may be an underlying perception that her ascent to the highest office was only possible because Biden stepped aside.

Conversely, if she loses, there could be a tendency to blame her for the failure of the Democratic Party, rather than attributing it to broader political dynamics or her opponent’s campaign strengths.

Historically, women in the U.S. have often achieved groundbreaking roles by stepping into positions that were vacated by men. For example, Hattie Caraway became the first woman elected to the Senate after being appointed to replace her late husband in 1931.

Similarly, Kathy Hochul became New York State’s first female governor following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation. This pattern underscores that while progress has been made, a woman has yet to be elected as president.

Harris’s current position as Vice President, combined with Biden’s endorsement, gives her a distinct advantage in the race. Unlike previous female candidates who faced significant hurdles, Harris’s role as the sitting VP and the backing of the current president could provide her with a more favorable path to the presidency.

Her position allows her to seamlessly fit into the campaign, enhancing her chances compared to when she was a primary contender in 2020.

Despite this advantage, the history of women in politics suggests that if Harris loses the election, she might face disproportionate blame. Previous female candidates, like Hillary Clinton, have been unfairly scapegoated for broader political failures.

There is a concern that if Harris does not succeed, the blame could fall on her rather than on the broader factors at play, such as voter behavior or the actions of her opponents. This adds an extra layer of complexity to her candidacy, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by women in high-stakes political roles.