Trouble in the DNC: Potential Replacements for President Biden
After the recent Presidential debate between President Biden and former-President Trump, many Democrats are calling for the party to replace Biden with an alternative candidate at the upcoming Democratic National Convention. While Biden remains stalwart in his intention to run, this article intends to explore the feasibility of alternative candidacies for the Democratic Presidential nomination.
Some Options
Based upon current polling data and the sentiments being expressed by leading pundits this article will specifically look at potential candidacies for Governor of California Gavin Newson, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Michelle Obama
Looking at Michelle Obama, she left the First Ladyship as one of the most popular among modern First Ladies, departing the office with a 65% approval rating. Her overall popularity, national recognition, and connection to former President Barrack Obama makes her a strong potential candidate. Despite this, her lack of experience in an elected position or in an official capacity not connected to her husband’s career could serve to hinder her ability to cinch the nomination should she choose to pursue it.
Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom is another highly visible figure who, on paper, has a wealth of executive experience governing the state of California. Newsom’s high national profile in conjunction with his experience makes him another likely alternative. Although his experience is an asset, his track record could also serve to be an impediment. California is facing record housing costs, a homelessness crisis, and an ever-increasing budget deficit. According to a recent poll conducted by the LA Times, Newsom’s disapproval among Californians has jumped 10 points to 49% while his approval rating has slipped to 44% from a high of 55%. This marks a low for the Governor and could make it difficult for him to justify a candidacy to delegates at the upcoming convention.
Kamala Harris
As Biden’s Vice President, Kamala Harris appears to be in a natural position to assume the Presidential nomination. Upon closer inspection though, her prospects appear less than stellar. Harris’s current approval rating sits at 37% according to Project 538. Additionally, her poor performance in the 2020 campaign and apparent lack of involvement in the Biden administration’s decision making has left many Democrats doubtful that she could meaningfully outperform Biden in a race against Trump.
Gretchen Whitmer
Finally, Governor Whitmer is another person who could potentially mount a campaign to secure the nomination from Biden. As the governor of Michigan, she successfully secured the state’s legislator for the Democratic party and is relatively controversy free compared to the other potential nominees. While she may have less political baggage than the other potential candidates, she is relatively unknown to voters outside of her state. With November being just a few months away it may be difficult for her to familiarize herself to voters outside of Michigan.
Conclusion
This list is by no means comprehensive, and there are other high-profile Democrats who may end up pursuing the nomination as well. We won’t know until the convention who will run for the Democratic party. This article merely serves to help familiarize voters with several potential candidates.
Sources
Clement, Scott. “Michelle Obama Popularity Polls – Washington Post.” Obama’s Legacy, Washington Post, 12 Dec. 2016, www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/obama-legacy/michelle-obama-popularity.html.
Luna, Taryn. “New Poll Finds That California Voters Disapprove of Newsom’s Performance as Governor.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023, www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-11-07/new-poll-finds-california-voters-disapprove-newsom-performance-governor.
Mordowanec, Nick. “Michelle Obama Odds Surge to Replace Joe Biden After Debate.” MSN, Newsweek, 28 June 2024, www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/michelle-obama-odds-surge-to-replace-joe-biden-after-debate/ar-BB1p4taX.
Rahman, Khaleda. “Gretchen Whitmer’s Chances of Beating Donald Trump: Poll.” Newsweek, Newsweek, 30 June 2024, www.newsweek.com/gretchen-whither-chances-beating-trump-poll-1919211.
Ryan Best, Aaron Bycoffe. “Kamala Harris : Approval Polls.” FiveThirtyEight, ABC News, 9 July 2024, projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/approval/kamala-harris/.