The recent presidential debate left many Democrats worried about President Joe Biden’s chances in the upcoming election. Even Bernie Sanders, one of Biden’s key allies, expressed concern over Biden’s performance, describing it as “painful” and casting doubt on his ability to secure a victory in the fall. Despite this, Sanders remains steadfast in his support, urging voters to focus on policies rather than personalities.
Biden’s debate performance has sparked a broader discussion within the Democratic Party about his viability as a candidate. Some party insiders, including Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas, have openly called for Biden to withdraw from the race, suggesting that the stakes are too high to risk a loss to Donald Trump. This sentiment is echoed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who acknowledged the legitimacy of concerns about Biden’s performance and its implications for his candidacy.
Behind the scenes, potential successors like California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Vice President Kamala Harris are reportedly preparing for the possibility of Biden stepping aside. This has led to informal talks about potential running mates, with names such as Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and California Rep. Ro Khanna being mentioned.
Despite these internal discussions, Biden’s team remains defiant, downplaying the president’s political troubles and emphasizing his policy successes. This stance is bolstered by a significant fundraising haul in June, which demonstrates substantial financial support for his campaign.
However, the party is not without its divisions. Key groups within Biden’s coalition are beginning to show signs of fracture, with some pro-Biden activists targeting critics like Tim Miller, a former Republican campaign worker who has raised concerns about Biden’s electability. Miller argues that now is the time for open conversations about the party’s path forward to avoid a potential Trump presidency.
Polling data reflects the growing unease among Democrats. A CNN poll conducted after the debate revealed that a majority of Democratic voters believe the party would have a better chance of winning with a different candidate. Despite this, the Democratic National Committee has made it clear that there is no Plan B. Biden secured almost every delegate in the primary process, and party rules bind these delegates to support him.
Supporters like Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes continue to rally around Biden, emphasizing his policy achievements and leadership capabilities. Yet, Vermont Senator Peter Welch acknowledges that questions about Biden’s age and debate performance are on the minds of many voters, including staunch Biden supporters.
As the election approaches, the Democratic Party faces a challenging road ahead. Balancing concerns about Biden’s performance with the need to present a unified front against Donald Trump will be crucial. Sanders’ call for maturity among voters underscores the importance of focusing on the substantive differences between the candidates’ policies, which could ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
