There is a growing discussion among Democrats about the age of President Joe Biden and whether it warrants a challenge to his renomination. While some Democrats are advocating for him to step aside, what would be the consequences of such a move? Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota has expressed concerns about the risk of another Trump presidency and has even considered running against Biden. However, it is important to note that Phillips is not a strong contender and his remarks only highlight what some Democrats have been privately considering.
Despite these concerns, it is puzzling to question Biden’s abilities given his notable vigor during his presidency. In terms of performance, he is less deserving of a challenger compared to previous presidents like Jimmy Carter in 1980. Carter faced multiple crises, both at home and abroad, while Biden has successfully rallied NATO against Russia and overseen a relatively smooth economic recovery from the pandemic. Although Biden’s poll numbers are currently worrisome, health issues can affect anyone regardless of age, as evidenced by former President Trump’s unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Ultimately, the decision of who runs in each party will be determined by the respective voters. However, when considering the wellbeing of American democracy and the future of a healthy Republican Party, it is crucial to question whether a Republican challenger could defeat Trump in the GOP primaries. This would restore a sense of normalcy to presidential elections, which is necessary for the nation. Unfortunately, it appears highly likely that Trump will secure the GOP nomination, despite facing numerous criminal charges. In light of this, one must consider what would happen if Biden heeds advice to step aside and preserve his legacy. Could Democrats unite behind a candidate whose primary focus is thwarting Donald Trump?
The challenge with this scenario is that it disregards the nature of the Democratic Party. Gone are the days when party bosses and donors could select a nominee behind closed doors. Even the typically more disciplined Republicans are struggling with this process. Democrats would face similar turmoil if they were to have an open primary. While Vice President Kamala Harris may seem like the logical choice to succeed Biden, her approval ratings are lower than his, making it nonsensical to replace him with someone less popular.
Additionally, an open Democratic primary would involve a scramble for votes, money, and endorsements. Other candidates would have the right to make their case, resulting in potential chaos in a year when a candidate with a history of inciting violence is seeking revenge against opponents. It is ironic that the concerns over Biden’s age overlook Trump’s own unpopularity, as recent polls show that almost two-thirds of Americans would not support him in 2024. However, if Democrats were to engage in a chaotic primary, it would be seen as a miraculous boon by Republicans, who could exploit the media spectacle.
In conclusion, it is possible that both Biden and Trump could face health scares before 2024, as is the case for many people. However, if the goal of pro-democracy forces in the next election is to prevent Trump’s return to power, the argument that “Joe Biden is old” is not a compelling reason to invite chaos.