2024-07-28 12:02:41
J. Biden’s decision not to run in 2024 presidential election has made many people in America and around the world shake their heads – now what? Now that he has relented and pushed aside his stubbornness, much will depend on how his party handles the search for a replacement, the paper said.
After surviving an assassination attempt and celebrating a victorious convention, former President Donald Trump remains the heavy favorite to become America’s 47th president. But Mr. Biden’s withdrawal could have a big impact, and he could still be defeated.
Convincing the stubborn old man to back off was said to be the easy part. The Democratic convention begins on August 19. To increase their chances, Democrats must now act quickly, preserve unity, and find the best candidate possible.
Some party old-timers appear to have decided to focus on speed by endorsing Mr. Biden’s vice president, Kamal Harris. This does not correspond to the interests of either the Democratic Party or K. Harris, The Economist assesses. According to the publication, she has yet to prove that she is a strong candidate. The more she appears to have been imposed on her party, the harder it will be for her to win.
After refusing to take no for an answer all his life, Mr. Biden fought to the end. However, despite numerous television appearances, he has failed to shed the image of a stumbling and confused man unfit for a second term.
Polls showed him trailing in all the seats he needed to win on Nov. 5. Even supposedly safe states like Virginia and Maine were in danger of being won by the Republicans. When governors, senators and congressmen saw that Mr. Biden was undermining their own chances of staying in office, the party began to rally against him.
The president’s farewell letter touts his own accomplishments, which are many, including climate policy, a strong economy and support for Ukraine. So not only did he hang on to power even at the cost of Trump’s victory, he also did a lot of work that makes him worth remembering.
Now that he has shown leadership, albeit belatedly, he has one last duty to help his party find a shift that can win. His task is also important to help the party avoid disputes about what to do next.
He, like former President and Secretary of State Bill and Hillary Clinton, has already endorsed Harris. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama didn’t, but they still might.
It is very important that they both spoke in favor of an open process. If seniors resist, a destructive power struggle can ensue over how to proceed. The Democrats have already wasted so much time that there is not much time left.
Because it will be difficult for a divided party to win the election, some want Harris to be nominated unopposed. She has the notoriety, experience in the White House and the support of some key Democrats.
She would also be the first woman to serve as American president, and the first of African and Asian descent. Many in the party believe that ignoring her would be wrong not only in principle, but also alienate black and female voters.
Indeed, her appointment without competition would be the second best option. Real competition would provide valuable media attention, legitimacy and increase party unity. If done right, it could re-energize the party and strengthen campaigns for the next election.
K. Harris would have something to gain from such a contest. She would start out as a heavy favorite, but would later be credited with getting the nomination because of her political skills. This would benefit both her campaign and the voters.
Ideally, Democrats should have a short and open contest between their best and brightest. After Mr. Biden made the decision to leave, approximately 4.7 thousand delegates to the convention are free to vote for whoever they choose to be their party’s candidate.
There’s no shortage of contenders: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro — and all of them are making quite an impression.
From the cabinet, Gina Raimondo and Pete Buttigieg are noteworthy. In the Senate, former astronaut Mark Kelly and preacher Raphael Warnock would provide an interesting contrast to Trump.
The Democrats’ problem isn’t a lack of talent. The problem is how to choose one from all of them in a short time while there is still some left. Some of these candidates may be tempted to run in this election, thinking it will improve their chances in 2028. If this is what the Democrats really meant, it would be damnably cynical.
Balancing speed, unity and legitimacy will be difficult, but in the past Democrats have too often surrendered to pragmatism and deference, both of which favor Harris. To impose it so quickly, while hiding Mr. Biden’s disabilities, would not benefit them or America.
Parengta pagal „The Economist“ inf.
2024-07-28 12:02:41