In the closing of a previous article, we discussed how Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to be the strongest Democratic opponent to Donald Trump. In breaking news, President Joe Biden has announced that he is stepping down from the presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to run in his stead.
Biden's Main Objective
President Biden’s primary goal is to ensure that the upcoming election does not result in a victory for Donald Trump. Recognizing that his own chances were becoming increasingly bleak, Biden has decided to withdraw from the race to avoid further compromising his party's prospects.
What Drove Biden to Make This Decision?
The mounting pressure from all sides has culminated in Biden's decision to exit the race. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had suggested that Biden should step aside, emphasizing the difficulty of moving forward in the presidential election without the support of party elites and major donors. With tens of millions of dollars being withheld from his campaign, it was unclear if Biden could continue effectively. The lack of financial backing made it virtually impossible for him to improve his standing against Trump.
Republicans' Reaction
Republicans had been anticipating Biden’s withdrawal and are now advocating for his resignation from office. In his official statement, Biden cited his decision as being in the best interest of his party and the nation. However, JD Vance, Trump's recently selected vice presidential running mate, argues that Biden’s exit is a clear admission of his unfitness to serve as president. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoes this sentiment, calling for Biden’s resignation, stating that if he is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president.
Potential Candidates to Run Against Donald Trump
Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris, now endorsed by President Joe Biden, is extremely likely to run for president against Trump. Her high position and Biden’s endorsement significantly bolster her candidacy.
Senator Joe Manchin
Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) is considering re-registering as a Democrat and entering the 2024 presidential race. Manchin, a moderate with a history of bipartisan cooperation, might see an opening after Biden’s withdrawal. However, uniting the party could be challenging for him.
J.B. Pritzker
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a long-time Democrat and billionaire, could be an appealing choice due to his ability to self-fund a last-minute campaign. His liberal policies, however, might be a liability in the general election.
Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a fierce critic of Trump, is another potential candidate. Her strong connection with key voter groups in Michigan makes her a significant contender.
Potential Vice Presidential Candidates
Josh Shapiro
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has endorsed Harris and is considered a rising star in the party. His legal background and history of winning elections in a crucial state make him a strong potential VP candidate.
Gavin Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom, despite his own presidential ambitions, has endorsed Harris. His record on progressive policies and substantial political capital make him a likely candidate for the VP spot.
Pete Buttigieg
US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who has also endorsed Harris, is privately floated as a potential VP candidate. His previous success in the 2020 primary and strong support base make him a formidable choice.
Phil Murphy
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has endorsed Kamala Harris and will not run for president, but he remains a potential candidate for VP.
Andy Beshear
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, one of the youngest potential candidates, has carved out a successful career in a heavily Republican state. His record on job creation, public education, and healthcare makes him a viable VP option.
What to Expect Next?
In the next few days, we can expect significant moves from Kamala Harris and the aforementioned potential candidates. Harris should issue a public statement regarding her campaign’s fundraising efforts to solidify her position and deter other candidates. Meanwhile, potential candidates like J.B. Pritzker, Senator Joe Manchin, and Gretchen Whitmer will be evaluating their chances of contesting Harris for the presidential nomination or positioning themselves as her running mate.
The Democratic primary landscape is rapidly evolving, and the decisions made in the coming days will shape the party’s strategy to challenge Donald Trump in the 2024 election.