Democratic Lawmakers Ramp Up Pressure on Biden to Step Aside, With Some Eyeing Harris as Successor
The pressure on President Joe Biden to abandon his reelection bid is mounting, with a growing chorus of Democratic lawmakers publicly urging him to step aside. California Rep. Mark Takano, a veteran’s affairs committee chair, has become the latest Democrat to call on Biden to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, adding fuel to the fire of a growing internal party debate.
This internal rift comes at a crucial moment as the 2024 election approaches, with Biden facing a formidable contender in Donald Trump. Although the President remains steadfast in his commitment to seeking a second term, concerns stemming from his age and performance in recent debates have fueled a wave of dissent within the Democratic Party.
Key Takeaways:
- Growing Pressure: Dozens of Democratic lawmakers, including several prominent committee chairs, have voiced concerns about Biden’s ability to win in 2024, with many calling for him to step aside.
- Harris as the Heir Apparent: Some Democrats, notably Takano, are actively angling for Harris to become the Democratic nominee, highlighting her readiness and the substantial campaign funds at her disposal.
- Deepening Party Divide: The internal debate has exposed deep cracks within the Democratic Party, with some allies of Biden remaining silent while others openly support a change in leadership.
- Biden’s Defiance: Despite the mounting pressure, the Biden campaign has strongly rejected any calls for him to exit the race, maintaining that he will return to the campaign trail soon after recovering from Covid-19.
- The Stakes are High: The outcome of the 2024 election hinges on choosing the candidate who can best unite the Democratic base and secure victory against Trump, raising the stakes for this internal debate.
The Call to Step Aside
At least 36 Democratic members of Congress have publicly called on President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race, with many more reportedly expressing their concerns privately. This dissent stems from a confluence of factors:
- Concerns about Biden’s age and performance: Biden, who will be 82 at the time of the 2024 election, has faced a barrage of criticisms about his stamina and performance in recent debates, raising concerns amongst some Democrats about his ability to endure the rigors of a presidential campaign and, more importantly, win the election.
- Trump’s Resurgence: With Trump’s return to the political stage and his recent success in the Republican primaries, the 2024 election is shaping up to be exceptionally close and potentially challenging for the Democrats. This has fueled a desire among some Democrats for a more robust and energetic candidate who can match Trump’s intensity and appeal to a broader base of voters.
- Whispers of "Biden fatigue": Despite his impressive policy achievements, a sense of fatigue around Biden’s presidency has begun to permeate some circles. This sentiment, combined with the current political climate, could make a successful re-election campaign more challenging.
The Case for Kamala Harris
While concerns about Biden’s electability have led to calls for him to step aside, several Democratic lawmakers are actively pushing for Vice President Harris to take the helm. Takano’s public statement signals a growing movement within the party that views Harris as the natural successor to the Democratic ticket. Supporters of this view point to:
- Harris’s experience and readiness: Harris, a former senator and California Attorney General, brings a wealth of experience to the table and has proven her ability to navigate the political landscape effectively.
- A smooth transition: As Vice President, Harris has been deeply involved in the Biden administration, making her transition to the Presidency seem seamless.
- A campaign war chest: The Biden campaign has amassed a significant war chest of over $91 million, a crucial resource that Harris could readily access to launch her own campaign.
The Democratic Divide
This internal debate has exposed a widening divide within the Democratic Party. Some Democrats, including several prominent party influencers like Bill and Hillary Clinton, have publicly remained deferential to Biden’s decision to run, while others have openly expressed their concerns about his ability to win. This division comes at a particularly sensitive time, as the party grapples with how to present a united front against Trump and other potential candidates within the Republican party.
The Uncertain Future
The President remains adamant in his bid for reelection, citing his commitment to delivering on his agenda and protecting democracy from further erosion. The Biden campaign maintains that he will return to campaigning in full force after recovering from Covid-19, dismissing the calls for him to step aside.
However, the growing pressure from within the Democratic Party, combined with a challenging political landscape, poses a significant obstacle to Biden’s campaign. If the dissent within the party continues to escalate, it will pose a major challenge for Biden, who faces the daunting task of unifying the party and regaining its support in the face of increasing uncertainty about his ability to win in 2024.
