The first presidential debate is done and the aftermath has not been good for the incumbent, Joe Biden.
Some Democrat politicians and operatives reportedly texted CNN commentators with hopes that Mr Biden, 81, would step aside. Some floated the possibility of going to the White House and publicly stating concerns about him remaining as candidate.
But if Mr Biden were to drop out, it would be a free-for-all. There is no official mechanism for him or anyone else in the party to choose his successor, meaning Democrats would be left with an open (Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago from August 19-22.
Youโd go for someone older than Biden?
I like Bernie, but thatโs a ridiculous replacement.
Once again, we agree.
Why always with the old white men, when we have prominent politicians like Yang, Buttigieg, Klobuchar? And as for Bernie, if you want a firebrand whoโs going to alienate moderates, why not AOC? Well, sheโs too young to run, but sheโs not the only truly liberal option. Warren is old enough, progressive enough, and a woman. But, no, Bernie Bros gotta Bro.
Iโm honestly trying to think of who they could run this late and Iโm coming up short. Gavin Newsom is terrible idea in my opinion. Like you said, AOC is too young. Kamala Harris? People hate her.
Agreed, and agreed.
Why not Klobuchar? Sheโs got some national recognition from the 2019/20 cycle, politics are acceptable to moderates, progressive (enough), and sheโd eat Trump for lunch in debates and on social media. Plus, sheโs from the Midwest, and might pick up some folks for regional loyalty, and could play against the โslick New Yorkerโ which might still work.
The bases are going to vote party lines. I think undecideds and wavering moderates are the pick-up points, and I think Klobuchar could do that.
I like Yangโs politics, but heโs got a popularity problem, and Buttigieg - Trump would just harp on his sexual orientation, and Iโm not confident enough that Americaโs ready yet to vote for a gay president. Hell, we canโt even get a woman into office.
IMO Klobucharโs the safest bet against Trump.
Tim Walz. Minnesota has been kicking ass with progressive legislation these past few years, and here in Minnesota weโve been wondering if heโs been quietly trying to get his name out there to run for President. (And the general consensus is that we donโt want to lose him as governor, but I guess weโll give him up to save US democracy, lol.) On paper heโs fairly moderate too.
The age specifics might be important. AOC turns 35 in October, before sheโd take office if elected. And therefore might actually be eligible.
I think at this point he has a lot going for him, ie: heโs recognizable, heโs popular with a large segment of Americans, he can play the game well (as seen when he graciously accepted the DNCโs bs in 2015), heโs kind, heโs rarely (if ever) been known to publically lie, heโs smarter than at least half of Congress and the House of Reps, etc etc.
You canโt simultaneously argue that Biden is too old to be president and that we should have someone even older instead.