Written by Jonathan Davis.
President Joe Biden has hinted that he may soon “pass the baton” to Vice President Kamala Harris, stepping aside as the Democratic Presidential nominee. According to CNN, Biden is becoming increasingly receptive to the idea of allowing Harris to take over. This revelation came shortly after Biden announced the cancellation of a campaign event in Las Vegas due to testing positive for Covid-19.
As Biden flew back to Delaware from Las Vegas on Wednesday night, he faced one of the most significant decisions of his political career. For weeks, Democratic insiders have been grappling with the fallout from Biden’s concerning debate performance in Atlanta. Despite the escalating concerns within the party, Biden’s camp appears to be in a state of flux. A senior Democratic adviser told CNN, “He’s being receptive. Not as defiant as he is publicly.”
This shift in Biden’s stance is evident as he moves from a position of firm opposition to one of contemplation. “He’s gone from saying, ‘Kamala can’t win,’ to ‘Do you think Kamala can win?’” the adviser noted. It’s still unclear what Biden’s final decision will be, but it’s apparent he’s weighing his options more carefully.
Democratic Leaders and Internal Strife
Amidst Biden’s contemplation, prominent Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries are working behind the scenes. Axios reports that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have persuaded the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to delay its presidential nomination vote. This strategic move hints at internal maneuvering within the party, reflecting the growing uncertainty surrounding Biden’s candidacy.
Following Biden’s underwhelming debate performance, nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers have called for him to withdraw from the 2024 race. While the initial backlash took a brief hiatus after a bullet grazed former President Trump’s ear at a Pennsylvania rally, the discontent within the Democratic Party has resurfaced.
The internal conflict within the Democratic ranks has led to a significant disruption of the DNC’s plans. The committee had scheduled a virtual roll call as early as July 21 to nominate Biden before the convention in Chicago, in response to Ohio’s ballot access rules. However, the rebellion within the party forced the DNC to postpone the roll call vote until August, leaving ample room for further political maneuvering.
Biden’s Potential Exit Strategy
The delay in the DNC’s virtual roll call vote is a clear indication of the party’s shifting dynamics. With the nomination process on hold, there is increased speculation about Biden’s future. The possibility of Biden stepping aside has created a power vacuum, prompting discussions about alternative candidates.
Amid these developments, the Democrats are circulating new polls suggesting that any Democratic candidate would fare better than Biden. This poll underscores the party’s desperation to find a viable alternative to Biden, who is increasingly viewed as a liability.
The Democratic Party’s internal turmoil highlights the complexities of the current political landscape. As Biden weighs his options, the party must navigate these challenges to present a unified front. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Biden’s candidacy and the broader direction of the Democratic Party.
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