Videos of U.S. President Joe Biden, showing him seemingly struggling to maintain control over his movements, have gone viral, raising questions about his readiness to handle the presidency. The recent debates have intensified these concerns, with Biden appearing lackluster compared to his opponent Donald Trump. Consequently, speculations are rife that the Democrats might introduce a stronger candidate to replace Biden.
To date, Biden has yet to be formally declared the presidential nominee by his party, with an official announcement expected in August. This leaves open the possibility that despite participating in the debates, Biden could be replaced.
Official Announcement Slated for Next Month
At a meeting in Chicago, where seven hundred party members will vote, the candidate with the majority support will be deemed the nominee. This August's vote will give the new candidate barely two and a half months to campaign. Meanwhile, the Republicans have thrown their full support behind Donald Trump, who has been campaigning for a considerable time. This puts the Democrats in a potentially tough spot, with signs of distress already apparent among party members. Congressman Lloyd Doggett has suggested publicly that Biden should withdraw his candidacy.
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Possible Contenders for the Nomination
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a seasoned politician and businessman, has been previously dismissive of the notion of replacing Biden, calling it foolish. However, at 56, Newsom could be considered a significant contender.
J.B. Pritzker, the governor of Illinois and a long-standing Democratic Party member, hails from one of America's wealthiest families. Pritzker, known for his strong appeal among women, could be a substantial asset for the party, especially considering his support of reproductive rights, as demonstrated by legalizing abortion in his state.
Kamala Harris: A Strong Candidate
Vice President Kamala Harris, at nearly 59 years old, remains a frequent mention and a strong candidate. Should Biden resign due to health concerns, Harris would automatically become president, easing the way for the Democrats to choose her as their candidate.
Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer, at 52, is also seen as a likely contender. Joe Biden himself has been vocal in praising Whitmer, who has advocated for stricter gun laws, removing bans on abortion, and supporting universal preschool for children, connecting with all voter demographics.
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Longtime party member Sherrod Campbell Brown, serving for over two decades, would be 71, making him one of the older prospects but still seven years Trump's junior. Brown has been a consistent voice for labor rights.
Dean Phillips also emerged as a contender earlier this year by publicly expressing interest in taking up Biden's mantle, though the party was not widely receptive. With the current uncertainty, Phillips remains an option.
The Live Debate Between Trump and Biden: Key Moments
Last week's presidential debate, the first between Democratic candidate Joe Biden and his Republican counterpart Donald Trump, took place in Atlanta and was broadcast live by CNN. The 90-minute confrontation covered a range of topics from the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia-Ukraine war, U.S.-China relations, abortion rights, gun violence, taxes, inflation, unemployment, climate change, to immigration issues. Biden showed signs of faltering throughout, particularly on the refugee topic where Trump almost cornered him.
