Who could replace Biden if he withdraws from race?
If President Joe Biden were to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, several potential candidates could step in to replace him on the Democratic ticket. Here are the key figures and factors being considered:
1. Kamala Harris
Current Role: Vice President of the United States
Profile:
- First Black and South Asian woman to hold the vice presidency.
- Former Attorney General of California and U.S. Senator.
- Known for her tough stance as a prosecutor, which has drawn criticism from some progressive Democrats.
- Challenges: Low approval ratings and perceived weaknesses in addressing crime and immigration issues.
Advantages:
- High visibility and established presence in the current administration.
- Strong history-making appeal as a pioneering figure in U.S. politics.
2. Gavin Newsom
Current Role: Governor of California
Profile:
- Former Mayor of San Francisco.
- Governor of the most populous U.S. state, known for his liberal policies, especially on abortion rights.
- Has demonstrated national ambition through increased international travel and significant political investments.
Advantages:
- Experience in governing a large, diverse state.
- Potential appeal to liberal and progressive voters.
Challenges:
- Uncertain national recognition and political capital outside California.
3. Gretchen Whitmer
Current Role: Governor of Michigan
Profile:
- Governor of a key battleground state with significant working-class, Black, and Arab-American populations.
- Known for her strong opposition to Donald Trump and being a target of a far-right militia kidnapping plot.
Advantages:
- Potential strong appeal in crucial swing states.
- Proven resilience and crisis management.
Challenges:
- Publicly committed to supporting Biden and has shown no active interest in running.
4. Josh Shapiro
Current Role: Governor of Pennsylvania
Profile:
- Recently elected with a strong mandate.
- Former Attorney General with notable actions against Catholic Church abuses and Purdue Pharma.
Advantages:
- Centrist appeal and effective public speaker.
- Governor of a pivotal swing state, which could be crucial in the general election.
Challenges:
- Relatively new to the national political scene and lacks extensive name recognition.
Other Potential Candidates
- JB Pritzker (Governor of Illinois)
- Known for his progressive policies and leadership in a major Democratic stronghold.
- Wes Moore (Governor of Maryland)
- Newly elected, the first Black governor of Maryland, with a strong narrative of service and leadership.
- Andy Beshear (Governor of Kentucky)
- Centrist Democrat with experience winning in a traditionally Republican state.
- Amy Klobuchar (Senator from Minnesota)
- Ran in the 2020 primaries, known for her moderate stance and pragmatic approach.
- Pete Buttigieg (Secretary of Transportation)
- Former mayor and 2020 presidential candidate, notable for his articulate public presence and youth.
While Vice President Kamala Harris might be the natural successor given her position, her low approval ratings could prompt the Democratic Party to consider other candidates. Governors like Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer, and figures such as Josh Shapiro, are seen as strong alternatives due to their executive experience and potential appeal in critical swing states. However, each candidate comes with their unique strengths and challenges, and the final decision would likely hinge on a combination of electability, political strategy, and party unity.