Biden's Debate Performance Sparks Panic Among Democrats
The recent TV debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has stirred significant concern within the Democratic Party. Biden's uneven performance, marked by slurred answers and a hoarse voice, has led to calls for his resignation from some party members. Despite these calls, replacing Biden is not straightforward due to the current primary system and party rules. The Democratic strategist David Axelrod emphasized that voters choose the candidate, and Biden remains the overwhelming choice.
Potential Successors and Party Challenges
If Biden were to step down, the process of selecting a new candidate would be complex and potentially divisive. Vice President Kamala Harris is a likely contender, but other figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom could also emerge. The role of superdelegates and the need for mass defections from Biden's supporters add layers of complexity to the situation. Historically, the Democratic National Committee has mechanisms to fill vacancies, but these are rarely used and could lead to internal turmoil.
The upcoming debate in Atlanta is crucial, with both candidates aiming to sway undecided voters. The debate's format, including muted microphones to prevent interruptions, could play a significant role. Biden's team has pushed for these rules, likely to counter Trump's aggressive debate style. The outcome of this debate could significantly impact the election, especially in key swing states.
- The Democratic Party's primary system, established to give more power to voters than party leaders, complicates any attempt to replace Biden without his consent. This system arose from the discontent of the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
- If Biden were to drop out after the convention, the Democratic National Committee would be responsible for filling the vacancy, but this would likely lead to a turbulent period within the party.
- Both Biden and Trump are preparing intensively for the debate, with Biden focusing on civil liberties and Trump on economic issues. The debate will be held at CNN's headquarters in Atlanta, with strict rules to ensure order.
- The debate's format includes no audience and muted microphones during specific segments, which could benefit Biden by limiting Trump's ability to dominate the conversation.
