It seems like there may be some confusion regarding the political process. Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States, did initially run in the Democratic Primaries for the 2020 Presidential election, but she dropped out before the primary voting began due to a lack of campaign funds. Joe Biden, the eventual Democratic nominee, then selected her as his running mate, and she did not have to go through a primary process for that role because Vice Presidential candidates are typically chosen by the Presidential nominee. When Harris states that candidates must earn voter support, she’s likely referring to the need for political figures to connect with voters, listen to their needs and concerns, and convince them that they have the best policies and plans to address those needs. This can be done through campaigning, participating in debates, doing public service, and other activities that allow politicians to interact with the public. This is true for any election, not just primaries.

Harris’s statement implies that candidates must work hard to win the support of voters, rather than just assuming they will automatically get it due to their party affiliation. This perspective aligns with the democratic principle of fair competition and highlights the importance of reaching out to the public directly.

Harris’s course of action can be seen as significant due to the fact she did not participate in the primaries, yet was chosen as the Democratic nominee. This might indicate an alternative pathway to securing a nomination where earning voter support plays an integral role rather than just participating in the party’s primary elections.

However, it’s important to consider the broader context for a full understanding. Skipping primaries isn’t a path that can be taken by every candidate, and the process may depend on individual circumstances, party strategies, and the options available at the time. The concept of ‘earning’ voter support nonetheless remains a cornerstone of representative democracy.