Concerns about Biden’s Mental Sharpness Increase Amidst Calls for Replacement
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Preceding his successful 2020 victory, the former Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, faced instances where it seemed like his mental sharpness and abilities were diminishing. Over the two-plus years he has been in the Oval Office, these concerns have only intensified.
Recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans view him as inadequately equipped to complete a second term.
Consequently, there have been increasing demands to replace both Biden and his unpopular vice president, Kamala Harris, on the 2024 Democratic ticket, and potential candidates have started to emerge.
The Democratic Party already has an established procedure to identify a new nominee for the general election, known as the presidential primary. From January to June next year, Democrat voters will participate in this process to select their preferred presidential candidate.
While Biden faces competition from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Marianne Williamson, polling data suggests that Democrat voters are not particularly enthusiastic about their candidacies. Hence, another Democratic candidate who can appeal to the party’s base needs to step forward soon.
According to Fox News, the most plausible candidate is California Governor Gavin Newsom. Known for his visits to conservative states, his advocacy for a national referendum on guns, and his challenge to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for a debate on Fox News, Newsom has gained attention.
However, the Biden administration and Harris staffers have viewed him as somewhat of a nuisance. There are also rumors revolving around Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is popular among Democrats.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, renowned for his 2020 presidential campaign centered around generational change, has maintained a high profile while serving in the Biden cabinet.
Fox News reports that these potential candidates have a limited time to enter the race without jeopardizing their chances of winning.
Typically, numerous states require candidates to submit a declaration by a specific date to secure a spot on their primary ballot. Nevada has the earliest deadline of October 15, just under a month from now. As reported by Fox News, an additional 14 states have filing deadlines by the end of this year.
Furthermore, Biden has some control over his own fate. If he secures the nomination, which seems likely at this stage, he could choose to step down during the Democratic National Convention in August 2024. Delegates are allotted to candidates as primaries occur, but their votes are cast during the nominating convention.
According to Fox, if Biden were to win a majority of delegates but wishes to step down, he could use a speech before or during the convention to endorse another candidate.
Although pledged delegates are not obligated to vote for the candidate they represent, they are encouraged to align with the sentiments of those who elected them, making Biden’s endorsement highly influential.
Nevertheless, this course of action is complex and carries risks. If Biden fails to persuade enough delegates to support his endorsed candidate, multiple rounds of voting would occur until a candidate secures a majority. This outcome would depict a disunited Democratic Party and create disarray when the spotlight is on them.
Considering all these factors, it appears that the most likely scenario for 2024 is a second Biden run. Challenging this outcome would require a candidate to act promptly and acknowledge the unprecedented challenge it entails.