Written by Emily Thompson.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama is being featured in Democratic voter registration letters across key states. This move suggests Democrats are preparing for a possible candidate switch after President Biden’s poor performance in his first debate against Donald Trump.
The letters, encouraging potential voters to “join us for a party at the polls,” prominently display Michelle Obama’s image. They urge Democratic voters to “vote together” and “vote early.” Senior Democrats have reportedly given Biden a week to regain support or step down from the presidential race.
According to reports, Democratic insiders and donors have privately informed Biden that he has a limited time to convince voters of his viability, following what many saw as a disastrous debate performance.
Pressure Mounts on Biden to Step Down
Insiders indicate that Michelle Obama is the frontrunner to replace Biden, who struggled during the debate to complete sentences or effectively challenge Trump. A congressman conveyed to political blogger Matthew Yglesias, “I think the president has one week to prove he is not dead.”
David Plouffe, Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign manager, described the situation as “Defcon 1,” highlighting the stark contrast between Biden and Trump. Obama adviser David Axelrod echoed these concerns, noting that discussions about Biden’s continuation are imminent.
Prominent Democratic donor Mark Buell questioned the feasibility of finding a suitable replacement in time. Despite the panic, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, along with Hillary Clinton, have reiterated their support for Biden.
International and Domestic Reactions
The pressure to replace Biden isn’t limited to the U.S. UK government ministers have also suggested that the Democrats find a younger candidate to preserve the “special relationship” between the UK and the U.S. Three senior figures close to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have expressed a desire for the Democrats to “get rid” of Biden quickly.
The New York Times editorial board has also called for Biden to be replaced, reflecting a growing consensus within the Democratic Party. Despite this, top figures like the Obamas and Clintons continue to back Biden, emphasizing unity within the party.
Our Take
The emergence of Michelle Obama as a potential replacement for Biden signals a critical juncture for the Democratic Party. Biden’s recent debate performance has intensified doubts about his capability to lead, prompting urgent discussions about alternative candidates. This situation underscores the need for strong, coherent leadership in facing a formidable opponent like Trump. The Democrats must prioritize a candidate who can unite the party and appeal to voters. If Biden remains, it risks a loss of confidence and potential defeat in the upcoming election. The party needs to act decisively to secure a candidate who embodies the strength and clarity necessary for victory.
