The Democrats’ “replacement bench,” in case something extraordinary happens to Joe Biden, has not been in the media spotlight for months. This changed abruptly with the brutal clash on television between the US President and Donald Trump. With 130 days left before the election, there are calls for the 81-year-old Biden to step down for health reasons, as he has become a burden on the party, and to pave the way for a younger alternative at the party convention in Chicago in mid-August.
However, no one of rank, stature, or potential in the party has yet had the courage to throw their hat into the ring, as they may risk losing against Trump in the November election. Younger talents, mostly governors in various states like Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, Jared Polis, and J. B. Pritzker, have not been in the national spotlight for long.
Among the potential candidates, Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, stands out as someone who is somewhat tested on the national stage and has high approval ratings among Democrats. Newsom, however, is politically further left than Biden, which could be a disadvantage in the election. Other potential candidates include cabinet members like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Minister of Economic Affairs Gina Raimondo.
The most obvious solution for a replacement would be Vice President Kamala Harris, as she should be Biden’s natural successor. However, her poll ratings have been lower than Biden’s since taking office in 2021, with some questioning her profile and vision for America. While Harris has been given more responsibilities recently, she does not have the full support of the party.
Some names mentioned in the context of a theoretical early retirement for Biden include Michelle Obama, the former President’s wife, who is seen as a strong potential candidate but has expressed disinterest in Washington politics. The Democrats face a challenging decision if they need to replace Biden before the election.