Democratic Party Faces Leadership Crisis Post-Debate
In the wake of President Joe Biden's lackluster performance in the first presidential debate against Donald Trump, the Democratic Party is in turmoil. Biden appeared hoarse and incoherent during the debate, leading to concerns about his ability to carry the party to victory in the upcoming elections. The debate, held in Atlanta, saw Biden struggling to complete his sentences, while Trump appeared sharper, despite his usual barrage of false accusations.
Potential Democratic Replacements
The Democratic Party is now considering alternative candidates to step into Biden's shoes should he decide to retire. Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, is the most obvious choice due to her position. However, her lack of popularity and unimpressive performance as deputy might hinder her chances. Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, has also been mentioned, but he has publicly rejected the idea of replacing Biden, expressing pride in the president.
Other notable names include Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan, who has been a strong advocate for gun restrictions and abortion rights. JB Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois, is another potential candidate, known for his philanthropic contributions and strong stance on abortion rights. The Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, is also in the mix, having recently been elected and previously serving as the state’s Attorney General.
Additionally, there are speculations around Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. While Michelle Obama has publicly supported Biden and dismissed any intentions to run, her name continues to be mentioned. Hillary Clinton, who lost to Trump in 2016, has also been vocal about the challenges Biden faces. Senators Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Raphael Warnock of Georgia are also considered potential candidates.
The Democratic Party faces a critical decision as the pressure mounts with the Democratic convention in Chicago approaching in late August. The outcome of this decision could significantly impact the party's chances in the upcoming elections.
- The debate highlighted Biden's vulnerabilities, particularly his age and coherence, which have been points of concern for some time. Matt Grossman, a political science professor at Michigan State University, noted that Biden's performance touched on his biggest vulnerability. Despite Trump's aggressive approach, the survey showed that 67% of viewers believed Trump won the debate, compared to 33% for Biden.
- Vice President Kamala Harris, in an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper, acknowledged Biden's 'slow start' but emphasized the need to judge the candidates based on their years in office rather than a single debate performance. However, the debate has undoubtedly shaken the Democratic community, with some members calling for Biden to step down and hold an open conference to decide on a new candidate.
