Written by Ethan James.
Influential Democrats, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, are reportedly considering a contingency plan to replace Joe Biden if he falters. This plan could be triggered by a poor debate performance or declining poll numbers.
Concerns about Biden’s age and public performance have been mounting. Recently, Biden needed assistance from Obama at a fundraiser and appeared disoriented during a Juneteenth celebration. Despite White House spokesperson Andrew Bates dismissing these concerns as media fabrications, the speculation about Biden’s viability for re-election persists.
Polling expert Nate Silver highlighted Biden’s declining approval ratings and suggested that there might come a point where continuing to run poses a greater risk than dropping out. With Biden’s approval rating at 37.4%, voters are particularly worried about his age and ability to serve another term.
High-Stakes Debate
In a bid to quell doubts, Biden’s team has scheduled an unusually early presidential debate on June 27. David Axelrod, a key figure in Obama’s campaign, believes this debate is critical to proving Biden’s readiness. However, this strategy is fraught with risks. A strong performance could unite the party behind Biden, but any significant errors could amplify calls for his replacement.
Former Clinton advisor Mark Penn noted that this debate might be Biden’s last opportunity to demonstrate his fitness for office. Penn emphasized the importance of this event in shaping public perception of Biden’s capability to lead for another term.
The Power Players’ Role
If Biden’s performance or poll numbers don’t improve, it might take the collective influence of Obama, Clinton, Pelosi, and Schumer to persuade him to step aside. According to a Democratic strategist, these four leaders are the only ones with the clout to force such a decision.
This potential intervention underscores the high stakes and internal pressures within the Democratic Party. With the 2024 election on the horizon, the party faces the delicate task of ensuring their candidate is not only capable but also electable.
Our Take
The idea of replacing a sitting president due to declining health and performance issues raises significant concerns. This scenario suggests a lack of confidence within the Democratic Party and could undermine public trust in their leadership. Moreover, the potential influence of a select few leaders in determining the party’s candidate highlights the centralized power dynamics at play. The public deserves transparency and stability, especially when it comes to choosing a leader for the highest office.
