Democrats are losing Biden’s backup plan as primary deadlines expire
Democrats Face Dilemma as Concerns Mount Over Biden’s Age and Polling Numbers
Democrats find themselves in a tough spot when it comes to President Joe Biden. Despite growing worries about his age and declining poll numbers, there is still no “plan B” for the 2024 election. At 81 years old, Biden is the oldest president in U.S. history. While doctors assure us of his well-being, a series of incidents, including falls, verbal slip-ups, and moments of confusion, have led two-thirds of his own party to question whether he is fit to remain in the White House. Adding to the concern, key battleground state polls show former President Donald Trump leading Biden in most of them, causing a divide among Democrats.
The Obama Factor: Could Gavin Newsom Be Biden’s Successor?
Biden is currently facing a primary challenge from Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), which many strategists and Democratic lawmakers consider a long-shot campaign at best and a mistake at worst. Typically, it takes months for other candidates to set up a presidential campaign and raise the necessary funds to run. However, primary ballot deadlines have already passed in several states, putting any future Democratic candidate at a disadvantage. While there is a possibility of picking another nominee during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August 2024, that nominee may not have the same chances of success as Biden.
“There is no Plan B. If he were … suddenly not to run, everyone you know would run. The VP scares no one,” a senior Democrat said in an interview with Reuters.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has expressed confidence in Biden’s ability to run for reelection and win, faces her own popularity issues that could make her an insufficient candidate to go up against the Republican former president. Recent polls show Harris with a 39% approval rating, 1 point lower than Biden’s record-low approval rating of 40%. Fellow Democrats have also raised doubts about Biden’s chances of reelection and whether it is beneficial for the party. Democratic strategist David Axelrod, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, has called on Biden to make a decision about his presidential campaign in light of the “age issue” hanging over him.
Even if Democrats were able to find a viable replacement for Biden in 2024, polling suggests that it would make little difference. A recent poll found that Trump would easily defeat potential replacements like Harris or Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA). However, Newsom has denied seeking a presidential run in 2024, despite increasing his national profile in recent months.
With the Democratic primaries starting in February and ending in June, and the convention set for August, Democrats have limited time to find an alternative candidate who can rally Democratic and independent voters to defeat Trump, the current front-runner in the Republican primary race. Even if Harris and Newsom were competing for the nomination, it would be an uphill battle to convince over 4,000 delegates to choose them. Nevertheless, Democrats remain largely united behind Biden, and he is expected to secure the Democratic nomination despite concerns about his electability.
“Joe Biden will be the Democratic nominee and he will beat whichever [Make America Great Again] extremist the Republicans put forward,” said Biden campaign spokesman Daniel Wessel.
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How have concerns about Biden’s age affected public perception of his ability to govern?
H3>Aging Concerns: Is Biden Fit for Office?
The concerns over Biden’s age have been mounting since the beginning of his presidency. Many Democrats fear that his advanced age could impede his ability to effectively govern and make important decisions. While Biden’s doctors have reassured the public about his health, the numerous incidents that have occurred during his term have only fueled speculation about his fitness for office. Several falls and verbal slip-ups have raised questions about Biden’s physical and cognitive abilities. Critics argue that these incidents demonstrate vulnerabilities that could be exploited by political adversaries or undermine his effectiveness as a leader. Additionally, moments of confusion and forgetfulness have further fueled doubts about his mental acuity. The concern over Biden’s age and declining poll numbers has created a dilemma for Democrats. On one hand, there is a growing sentiment within the party that it may be time for a fresh face and new leadership. On the other hand, there is the reality that there is currently no viable alternative to Biden for the upcoming election. Adding to the Democrats’ worries are the latest polling numbers from key battleground states. According to recent surveys, former President Donald Trump is leading Biden in most of these states. This revelation has caused a divide among Democrats, with some questioning Biden’s electability and whether he would be able to secure a second term. In light of these concerns, some Democrats have voiced the possibility of Gavin Newsom, the current Governor of California, as Biden’s potential successor. Newsom’s close ties to the Obama administration and strong performance as the Governor of the largest state in the country make him an appealing candidate for those seeking a seamless transition. One of the biggest challenges facing Democrats is the lack of a clear “plan B” should Biden decide not to run for re-election or be unable to do so. The primary process is heavily underway, and the deadlines for ballot submissions have already passed in several states. This puts any potential successor at a significant disadvantage, as they would need to navigate the logistics of entering the race late and catch up with fundraising efforts. While there is a possibility of selecting another nominee during the Democratic National Convention in 2024, the lack of time and preparation could diminish their chances of success. As a result, many Democrats find themselves torn between rallying behind Biden despite their concerns or risking a potentially chaotic and last-minute process to find an alternative candidate. “There is no Plan B. If he were… suddenly not to run, everyone you know would run. The VP scares no one,” a senior Democrat said in an interview with Reuters. As Democrats grapple with the dilemma posed by Biden’s age and polling numbers, they must carefully consider their next steps. While concerns about Biden’s fitness for office are valid, hastily replacing him could lead to further division within the party and potentially jeopardize their chances of success in the 2024 election. Instead, Democrats may need to focus on revitalizing Biden’s presidency by addressing public concerns head-on. This could involve adopting a more proactive approach to communication, emphasizing his achievements, and highlighting the administration’s policy agenda. By effectively addressing the age and polling issues, Democrats may be able to regain confidence and ensure their chances of success in the upcoming election. Ultimately, the dilemma faced by Democrats over Biden’s age and declining poll numbers underscores the importance of long-term planning and succession within political parties. Going forward, the party will need to prioritize grooming and nurturing a diverse range of leaders to ensure a seamless transition of power and maintain their competitive edge in future elections.Battleground State Polls: Trump’s Resurgence
The Lack of a “Plan B”
The Path Forward
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