Democratic Lawmakers Call on President Biden to End Re-Election Campaign
A growing number of Democratic lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to step down from his re-election campaign following a lackluster debate performance against Republican challenger Donald Trump. The calls for Biden to end his campaign come as opinion polls show Trump gaining ground in key states.
Senator Peter Welch of Vermont was the first Democratic senator to publicly call for Biden to withdraw from the race. Hollywood actor and major party donor George Clooney has also joined the chorus of voices urging the president to step aside.
While President Biden has insisted that he is staying in the race, questions have arisen about how he could be replaced and who would take his place. Various scenarios could play out in the coming days and weeks, with two main ways for Biden’s campaign to end: voluntary withdrawal or being forced to step aside by his own party.
If Biden were to voluntarily suspend his campaign, Democratic delegates would be released to vote for another candidate at the party’s convention in August. Alternatively, Democrats could change the rules and turn the convention into a free-for-all against the president’s wishes.
Several potential candidates have emerged as leading contenders to replace Biden, including Vice-President Kamala Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
While Biden has faced criticism for his debate performance, Vice-President Harris has remained a loyal ally, defending his actions and expressing support for his candidacy. Other potential candidates, such as Whitmer and Newsom, have also garnered attention for their political ambitions and accomplishments in their respective states.
As the Democratic Party considers its options for a potential replacement for President Biden, the list of potential nominees extends beyond those currently in the spotlight. With a deep bench of possible future presidential candidates, the party faces a crucial decision in the coming months as the 2024 election approaches.
