President Joe Biden’s recent debate performance has sparked widespread speculation about his viability as the Democratic nominee, with prominent figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as potential successors.
Newsom, defending Biden before and after the debate, dismissed calls for a change, emphasizing party unity. “We’ve got to have the back of this president,” he insisted. However, internal party discussions reflect growing concerns. Both CNN’s Chris Wallace and MSNBC’s Nicole Wallace noted the shift in sentiment, with increasing talks of a contested convention.
Vice President Harris, also defending Biden, faces her own challenges, as her approval ratings mirror Biden’s. Replacing Biden with Newsom or another candidate risks backlash due to Harris’s historic role as the first woman of African American and Asian descent to serve as vice president.
Other potential contenders include Governors Gretchen Whitmer, JB Pritzker, Josh Shapiro, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Some speculate about former First Lady Michelle Obama as a unifying choice, though she has shown little interest in a political role.
With the Democratic convention approaching, the party faces a critical decision: rally behind Biden or navigate a contentious replacement process. This decision will significantly impact their strategy for the upcoming election.