In what appears to be a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party, President Joe Biden is facing intense scrutiny over his candidacy for re-election. This scrutiny comes not only from opposition figures but also from within his party—highlighted by discussions that question his potential to win against former President Donald Trump.
The Hill reported that pressure has mounted significantly on Biden amid the Republican National Convention, where Trump is gaining ground and widening the gap between him and Biden. This, combined with ongoing worries about Biden's age and health, has sparked vigorous conversations among Democrats regarding the need for a new strategy.
Several high-profile Democratic leaders and major donors have expressed their concerns directly to Biden.
They fear that his capacity to maintain a robust campaign is waning, which could be detrimental in a direct electoral face-off with Trump. This sentiment is amplified by recent polls indicating a tough road ahead for Biden, leading to a subdued hesitation from key financial backers of the Democratic campaign.
Amidst this backdrop of growing unease, there was a significant twist—Biden tested positive for COVID-19. This development may delay any immediate announcements regarding his political journey, adding another layer of complexity to the Democrats' strategic calculations.
Despite these challenges, the White House has been quick to quash rumors about Biden potentially stepping down. Andrew Bates, the White House senior deputy press secretary, emphatically labeled such rumors as “False.” However, the conversations within party circles paint a clashing narrative.
Sources close to the Democratic congressional leadership now suggest that there is a considerable shift towards Vice President Kamala Harris. They believe she is becoming the de facto nominee if Biden decides not to run. This notion is partly because Harris, despite criticisms about high staff turnover in her office, maintains a degree of favorability that might edge out Biden’s current stance.
As attention pivots to Harris, speculation about her possible running mate has gathered momentum. Notable figures in contention are Senator Mark Kelly, Governor Andy Beshear, and Governor Roy Cooper, although Governors Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer have reportedly opted out of being considered for the vice-presidential slot.
Interestingly, former campaign officials from the Obama era have shown preparedness to rally behind Harris should she ascend as the party's nominee. “The whole Obama alumni are ready to take over Harris’s campaign and run it. That means Obama is all over this,” remarked a source familiar with the strategizing.
This endorsement by the Obama camp has not gone unnoticed. As Democratic leaders and strategists weigh their options, the discussions around an "open convention" have also surfaced among donors, implying a push for a refreshing and possibly more engaging democratic process.
Within the corridors of power, opinions remain mixed. Some see Harris as the safer bet to unify and propel the party forward through turbulent times, while others show clear reservations. Senator Chris Coons, among a few others, remains steadfast in his support for Biden, underscoring the split within party ranks about the best path forward.
Senator Mark Kelly, addressing potential VP nominations and discussing the party's future candidature with Sen. Schumer on MSNBC, encapsulated the current mood: “Right now, the president is committed to being on top of the ticket and leading the whole party to victory."
Yet, the prevailing whisper among the Democratic donors seems to disagree, with one stating, “The overall consensus is that Biden won’t be the candidate and we’re all in a holding patch to see who will be."
A surrogate to the Biden campaign put it bluntly: "At this point, it’s untenable,” showcasing the deep-seated apprehensions about continuing without addressing the evident rifts.
Kenneth Baer, a Democratic strategist, questioned the feasibility of Biden changing the current narrative among voters. Meanwhile, a major Democratic donor voiced, “There are significant cracks and they are beyond repair,” suggesting that a significant change might be the only viable course to maintain Democratic competitiveness.
As the political landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the Democratic Party stands at a crossroads.
The discussions of Biden potentially stepping aside, coupled with the strategizing around Harris’s candidacy and vice presidential options, reflect a broader existential dilemma facing the party.
Could a shift in candidacy reenergize the base and appeal to wider voter demographics, or will it lead to further divisions within an already strained party framework? Only the upcoming days will reveal the next chapter in this unfolding political drama.