With Biden increasingly under attack for his lacklustre performance, Democrats must be exploring alternatives
The Democratic Party have to take a make-or-break decision– to continue with Joe Biden as presidential candidate or find an alternative. Both choices are difficult and have their pros and cons. Biden's age and performance might push the party to consider a Plan B. But the time is running out for Democrats and so are the options. It all began much earlier but the presidential debate was the proverbial last straw when Biden performed below par. However, Despite the challenges, there are strong arguments for sticking with Biden. He has overseen a period of significant legislative achievements, including the passage of a massive infrastructure bill, ambitious climate change initiatives, and a robust COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Biden's administration has also navigated complex international relations, working to rebuild alliances and address global threats, especially China and Russia. His centrist approach has aimed to unify a deeply divided nation, seeking to appeal to both progressive and moderate Democrats, as well as independents and even some Republicans. However, concerns about Biden's age and cognitive abilities persist. At 81, he is the oldest president in US history, and questions about his stamina and mental acuity have been fodder for both political opponents and media speculation. Polls indicate a significant portion of the electorate is uneasy about his capacity to serve another four-year term. Furthermore, his handling of certain issues, such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan and ongoing economic challenges, has drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
These controversies have fueled speculation about whether Biden is the best candidate to lead the Democrats to victory in 2024. But with elections barely four months away Democrats would find a replacement rather hard. Even invoking the 25th Amendment, which allows for the removal of a president deemed unfit to serve, remains an extreme and unlikely scenario. Given the potential political fallout and the necessity for clear, indisputable evidence of incapacity, this route is rather a precarious one. If the Democrats decide to explore alternatives, several high-profile figures could emerge as potential contenders. As the sitting vice president, Kamala Harris is the most obvious choice. Her historic candidacy as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president offers a compelling narrative, but her leadership and policy effectiveness will be under intense scrutiny. Next in line would be Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of Transportation and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. His youth, eloquence, and policy acumen make him a viable candidate. Then of course you have Gavin Newsom, the governor of California has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies and has shown resilience in the face of political challenges. The Democrats are caught between the devil and the deep sea. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on the party's assessment of Biden's ability to lead effectively and win re-election.
