Pressure Mounts on Biden to Drop out of 2024 Race as Democrats Look for a Replacement
The 2024 presidential election is rapidly approaching, and whispers of a potential change at the top of the Democratic ticket are growing louder. President Joe Biden, at 81 years old, faces a challenging reelection campaign, with increasing pressure from within his own party to step aside. This pressure stems from growing concerns about his age and recent defeat against Donald Trump in the first presidential debate that has led to significant erosion of confidence in his ability to win. While Biden has firmly stated his intention to run, a recent positive Covid-19 test and his acknowledgment that a "medical condition" could force a rethink of his campaign have fueled speculation about a potential exit.
Key Takeaways:
- The pressure on Biden to drop out has increased significantly after his debate performance against Trump and fueled skepticism about his ability to win.
- Democrats are increasingly looking for a replacement, particularly in the event of Biden’s withdrawal or an unexpected health crisis.
- Vice President Kamala Harris is the likeliest candidate to replace Biden, given her established position and campaign infrastructure.
- However, Harris has faced criticism and low approval ratings, raising concerns about her ability to unite the party and appeal to voters.
- The potential for a contested convention in the event of Biden’s exit adds another layer of complexity to the race.
The Growing Concerns and Speculation
The calls for Biden to step down have come from a variety of sources, both within the Democratic Party and outside. Some Democrats have expressed concerns about his age and stamina, while others have argued that he is simply not the best choice to lead the party into the future. The concerns about Biden’s age are not new, but they have become more prominent in the wake of growing anxieties about his fitness for the job. A recent poll by the Pew Research Center found that 70% of Americans believe that Biden is too old to be president, a figure that has risen significantly since 2020.
The fallout from the first presidential debate, where Biden appeared lost and out of sorts, exacerbated existing anxieties. His performance sparked a wave of panic within the party, prompting many to question his ability to effectively challenge Trump.
While Biden has stated his intention to remain in the race, he has acknowledged that a "medical condition" could force him to reassess his decision. This admission, coupled with his recent positive Covid-19 test, has further fueled speculation about his future as the Democratic nominee.
The Potential for a Change at the Top
The potential for a change at the top of the Democratic ticket has set off a flurry of speculation about who would replace Biden. The most likely candidate to step in is Vice President Kamala Harris, who has already been vetted and has access to the Biden campaign’s resources and fundraising infrastructure. However, Harris has herself struggled with low approval ratings and has faced criticism for her handling of issues like the border crisis.
While Harris is perceived as the most logical choice, some Democrats have expressed interest in other potential candidates, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. However, both Newsom and Whitmer have stated that they are not interested in running for president in 2024.
The possibility of a contested convention in the event of Biden’s withdrawal further complicates the situation. A contentious battle for the nomination could end up benefiting the GOP in the general election. The recent Republican convention, which showcased near-total unity behind Trump, further highlights the importance of a unified Democratic front.
The Implications of a Biden Withdrawal
The potential for Biden to withdraw from the race, either voluntarily or due to health reasons, would have significant implications for the 2024 election. A change at the top of the Democratic ticket could drastically reshape the campaign landscape, both in the primaries and the general election.
If Biden were to drop out before the Democratic National Convention, the pledged delegates would be free to choose a new candidate. According to the DNC Rules, a new candidate would need a majority on a first ballot to become the nominee. If no candidate reaches a majority, the over 700 "superdelegates" would participate in subsequent rounds of voting until a simple majority is reached.
If Biden were to die, resign, or become incapacitated after the convention, the Democratic National Committee Chair would consult with top congressional Democrats and the Democratic Governors Association before selecting a replacement.
A change at the top of the ticket could also significantly reshape the general election campaign. The Republican Party has already launched numerous attacks against Harris, aiming to portray her as weak and ineffective. A potential switch in the Democratic nominee would likely see the Republican focus shift, as they seek to undermine the new candidate and capitalize on any perceived weaknesses.
The potential for a change at the top of the Democratic ticket is adding a new layer of uncertainty to the already unpredictable 2024 election. The outcome of the race hinges not only on the decisions of voters, but also on the health and choices of the leading candidates. As the election draws closer, the pressure on Biden to remain in the race will likely continue to intensify, as Democrats attempt to navigate the complexities of a potential change at the top.
