In a high-stakes presidential debate against Donald Trump, the performance of President Joe Biden has been widely criticized as a disaster. Biden appeared to stumble, freeze, misspeak, and stare blankly on multiple occasions, raising concerns among members of his own party. Despite the criticisms, the president remains resolute in his campaign, reportedly vowing to return for a second debate against Trump.
Democratic Primaries and the Path to Nomination
Biden emerged victorious in the Democratic primaries earlier this year. However, his official status as the party’s candidate for president will only be confirmed at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, scheduled from August 19-22. There is currently no formal mechanism to replace Biden as the presumptive nominee, aside from him voluntarily stepping aside and allowing the delegates he won in the primaries to choose another candidate.
Potential Replacements for Biden
Should Biden decide to step aside, several prominent figures could potentially take his place as the Democratic nominee. Here are six notable individuals: As the U.S. Vice President, Harris is a prominent and obvious pick. However, she has faced criticism for struggling to define her role within the Biden administration and suffers from poor approval ratings. If Biden resigns, Harris would automatically assume the presidency.
Gavin Newsom
The California governor has dismissed speculation about being an alternative to Biden, labelling it as “nonsensical speculation.” Despite this, Newsom has supported Democratic candidates beyond his state and could be a viable replacement.
J.B. Pritzker
The Illinois governor, one of the wealthiest potential replacements, has made significant strides in his state by codifying abortion rights, declaring Illinois a “sanctuary state” for those seeking abortions, legalizing recreational marijuana, and advocating for gun control.
Dean Phillips
Phillips participated in the Democratic primaries earlier this year but failed to win any contests. Although he garnered some support, he did not manage to impress the broader party.
Sherrod Brown
At 71, Brown would be the oldest alternative to Biden, yet he is still seven years younger than former President Trump. Known for his strong stance on labour rights and protections, Brown has also been a vocal defender of IVF and abortion rights.
Michelle Obama
A long shot for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, Michelle Obama has consistently denied any intention to run. According to Betfair, there is a 16/1 (5.9 percent) chance that she could be the Democrats’ next presidential contender. Her office reiterated in March that she supports Biden’s reelection campaign, stating, “As former first lady, Michelle Obama has expressed several times over the years, she will not be running for president.”
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the party faces increasing scrutiny and uncertainty surrounding President Biden’s candidacy. The upcoming events will be crucial in determining the direction of the Democratic campaign for the 2024 presidential election.