President Joe Biden had an excellent opportunity to lay to rest apprehensions about his cognitive abilities in his first televised debate against presidential aspirant and former President Donald Trump. However, the debate, instead of allaying fears, has added to concerns about Biden’s health and his ability to lead the nation, with the New York Times even calling for him to step down. President Biden is maintaining a brave face and has said that he is ready for a second debate with Donald Trump. However, who will take his place? There are a number of names, which include governors, some senators, and others. Here are a few hopefuls:
Kamala Harris
The Vice President is an obvious choice if Joe Biden decides to step aside. However, her approval ratings are dismal, and she has been widely criticized for not defining a role for herself in the current administration. She cannot withstand the brute aura surrounding Donald Trump. Throughout Biden’s tenure, she was hardly in the picture and preferred to remain in the shadows. She is a pale shadow of past vice presidents who had the charisma to go on and become future presidents of the United States.
Michelle Obama
Her name often popped up for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination for a long time. However, she seems a reluctant aspirant of the post and has never really expressed her desire to run. She has a slim chance of being the Democrats’ next presidential contender.
Her office told NBC News that she will be backing Biden for the 2024 elections. The office said in a statement, “As former First Lady Michelle Obama has expressed several times over the years, she will not be running for president. Mrs. Obama supports President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ reelection campaign.”
Gretchen Whitmer
There are murmurs that Michigan Governor Whitmer, 52, can be a suitable candidate to replace Joe Biden. She has served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006, and in the Michigan Senate from 2006 to 2015 before becoming the governor of Michigan for the first time in 2019. She also was successful in her bid for re-election in 2022. Her views on stricter gun laws, repealing abortion bans, and backing universal preschool can make her an appealing prospect for replacing a frail Joe Biden.
Sherrod Brown
Sherrod Brown could be a candidate for replacing Joe Biden, but his age could act as a dampening factor since he is 71. However, he is still younger by 7 years than Donald Trump and 10 years younger than Joe Biden. He is a big advocate for better labor rights and protections as well as an advocate for IVF and abortions.
J B Pritzker
Often put forth as a substitute for Joe Biden, Illinois Governor J B Pritzker, 59, has both the charisma and the money muscle as he is one of the wealthiest among the probable substitutes listed here. His family owns the Hyatt hotel chain, and during his term as the Governor, he codified the right to abortion in the state and declared it a “sanctuary state” for women seeking abortions.
Gavin Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom, 56, who also served as lieutenant governor of California, and mayor of San Francisco is also touted as a potential replacement for Joe Biden. He was said to have started a “shadow campaign” for the White House and supported the Democrats. However, after the Biden vs. Trump debate, he has negated any chance of replacing Biden and told reporters he was “very proud of the president.”
Josh Shapiro
Josh Shapiro has been serving as the governor of Pennsylvania since 2022. His biodata is impeccable, having served four terms in the state’s House of Representatives followed by two terms as commissioner of Montgomery County. His ratings are very good, and he could be the proverbial dark horse to replace Joe Biden.
Also Read: Fact Check: Joe Biden’s Eye Color Changed During Presidential Election Debate with Donald Trump
