Democrats Push Biden to Exit ASAP: Harris, Whitmer, Newsom, Clooney, and Swift Eyed as Potential Contenders

Democrats Push Biden to Exit by the End of this Week: Harris, Whitmer, Newsom, Clooney, and Swift Eyed as Potential Contenders

In a dramatic turn of events, Democrats linked media Axios reported several prominent Democrats have privately conveyed to President Joe Biden that he should withdraw from the 2024 presidential race by the end of this week. The 81-year-old president, who is currently self-isolating due to COVID-19, is facing relentless pressure from party leaders, close allies, and key donors. This push comes amid concerns over his age, declining public support, and potential impact on the Democratic Party's chances in the upcoming election.

Key Takeaways

• Intense Pressure: Top Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have urged Biden to step aside to prevent a potential landslide victory for former President Donald Trump and preserve the Democratic legacy.
• Coordinated Campaign: The pressure on Biden has been relentless and coordinated, with figures such as former President Barack Obama and the Clintons indirectly signaling their disapproval of Biden's candidacy.
• Polls and Perception: Recent polls indicate that nearly two-thirds of Democrats want Biden to withdraw from the race. This sentiment has intensified following Biden's poorly received debate performance on June 27.
• Potential Successors: Should Biden step down, potential Democratic candidates include Vice President Kamala Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, California Governor Gavin Newsom, actor George Clooney, and, in a more unconventional suggestion, pop star Taylor Swift.

Analysis

The pressure on President Biden to drop out is not just about his age but also about strategic electoral concerns. Key figures within the Democratic Party believe that Biden's candidacy could jeopardize not only the presidency but also Congressional seats. This belief has led to a coordinated and relentless campaign to persuade Biden to step aside.

Biden's Dilemma: Despite public insistence on continuing his campaign, Biden is reportedly feeling the weight of the private messages from his party's top brass. They argue that his continued candidacy could result in a devastating loss to Trump, erasing his presidential legacy and harming the Democratic Party's prospects. According to a close friend, Biden's choice boils down to being "one of history's heroes" or risking "there'll never be a Biden presidential library."

Unrelenting Pressure: Schumer, Pelosi, and Jeffries have all communicated to Biden the urgent need for him to step aside, warning that his continued candidacy could lead to a Republican landslide and wipe out Democratic hopes in Congress. Pelosi, in particular, has emphasized the risk of donations drying up and the party's inability to take back the House.

Alternative Candidates:

• Kamala Harris: Though a natural successor, Harris faces challenges due to her lower popularity and approval ratings compared to Biden. Her candidacy could exacerbate concerns among independent and swing voters, with Republicans already leveraging fears about Biden's age to criticize her potential presidency.
• Gretchen Whitmer: The Michigan Governor is seen as a strong candidate due to her successful re-election in a swing state and her national profile. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and progressive policies have made her a prominent figure. Additionally, her formation of a federal political action committee and fundraising for other candidates signal her readiness.
• Sherrod Brown: Known for his focus on workers' rights, Brown could appeal to the Democratic base. However, his tight Senate re-election campaign complicates his potential presidential bid. His experience and appeal in a key swing state make him a noteworthy option.
• Gavin Newsom: The California Governor has raised his national profile through actions like challenging Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and launching billboard campaigns on issues like abortion rights. Despite his public statements of disinterest if Biden runs, his recent political maneuvers suggest readiness.
• George Clooney: Clooney, a prominent Democratic fundraiser, has publicly urged Biden to step down, expressing concerns about Biden's performance during debates. While Clooney has not shown any direct interest in running himself, his involvement highlights the search for a more effective candidate.
• Taylor Swift: Though she has not shown any interest in running for the 2024 presidential election, Swift's significant influence on young voters has led to speculative discussions about her potential candidacy. A leaked memo suggested a "blitz primary" could be initiated if Biden steps down, considering high-profile individuals like Swift.

Did You Know?

While it may seem unusual, the suggestion of Taylor Swift as a potential candidate underscores the Democratic Party's exploration of unconventional strategies to secure a win. Swift, known for her significant influence on young voters, represents a broader trend of looking beyond traditional political figures to energize the electorate. This speculative idea highlights the party's desperation to find a candidate who can unite and galvanize voters in the face of a formidable Republican challenge.

Furthermore, the coordinated pressure campaign against Biden involves not only current political figures but also former leaders and their aides, including the silent yet impactful disapproval from Barack Obama and the Clintons. This broad coalition within the party reflects the high stakes and urgency felt by Democrats as they approach the 2024 election.