I'd argue that Biden had much higher name recognition in 2020 than Harris has now. And dropping out after the Iowa caucus is actually much better than what Harris managed to do, since she never actually made it to the primaries – her polling tanked before that. (Popular vote is also irrelevant.)

She is the sitting vice president. You think she doesn't have name recognition? I knew people would be lining up to take shots for fun or profit but this is a weird one.

she's the sitting VP. how doesn't she have name recognition??

Not exactly irrelevant because popular vote also reflects state votes. If you are up by 6-8 in vote you are going to take most swing states.