In a significant shift, a key House Democrat has announced support for President Joe Biden’s re-election bid in 2024, dismissing concerns about Biden’s age and other potential liabilities as irrelevant. This endorsement underscores a growing sentiment within the Democratic Party that Biden remains the best candidate to counter former President Donald Trump, should he secure the Republican nomination.
Biden’s presidency has been marked by a series of notable achievements. He successfully defeated Trump in the 2020 election, led a Democratic pushback against Trump-aligned candidates in the 2022 midterms, and his Justice Department has been actively prosecuting those involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Special counsel Jack Smith’s efforts to bring Trump to justice further highlight Biden’s commitment to upholding democratic values.
Despite these accomplishments, some Democrats have expressed reservations about Biden running for a second term. Concerns about his age, as he would be 82 at the start of a potential second term, have been a topic of discussion. A recent Associated Press-NORC poll revealed that 77 percent of the public, including 69 percent of Democrats, believe Biden is too old to be effective for another four years. However, these concerns are being increasingly viewed as secondary to the larger goal of preventing a Trump resurgence.
Biden’s ability to govern from the center, as he promised in his victory speech, has been a hallmark of his presidency. He has passed significant domestic legislation and managed foreign policy challenges, such as supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, without dragging the U.S. into a broader conflict. His steady leadership has earned him praise, even from those who initially doubted his capabilities.
The question of Vice President Kamala Harris’s role in a 2024 campaign has also been a point of contention. Harris’s approval ratings are lower than Biden’s, and she has struggled to gain traction both within the party and nationally. Some have suggested that Biden should consider a different running mate to strengthen the ticket. Potential alternatives like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass or Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo have been mentioned. However, changing the vice-presidential candidate could risk alienating key constituencies, such as Black women, who are crucial to the Democratic base.
Biden’s decision to run again seems to hinge on his belief that he is the best candidate to defeat Trump. Those close to him suggest that if he were convinced Trump was no longer a threat, he might feel his political mission was accomplished and step aside. However, with no clear alternative within the Democratic Party, Biden’s candidacy appears to be the most viable option to ensure a Democratic victory in 2024.
Biden’s presidency has seen him evolve from the garrulous politician of his early career to a more focused and strategic leader. His ability to execute policies systematically, both domestically and internationally, has been a defining feature of his time in office. As Franklin Foer notes in his book “The Last Politician,” Biden may be remembered as “the old hack who could,” a testament to his effectiveness despite initial skepticism.
The urgency of Biden’s decision cannot be overstated. With the 2024 campaign season approaching, any delay in announcing his intentions could limit the time available for other potential Democratic candidates to prepare and campaign. The lack of a clear alternative within the party further complicates the situation, making Biden’s candidacy seem even more critical.
Ultimately, the decision of whether Biden should run again comes down to a fundamental question: Who is the best person to stop Trump? This was the question that led Biden to run in 2019, and it remains the central issue for Democrats as they look towards 2024. Biden’s track record, combined with the absence of a strong alternative, makes a compelling case for his re-election bid.
As the Democratic Party navigates these complex dynamics, the endorsement from a key House Democrat signals a rallying around Biden, emphasizing the importance of unity and strategic thinking in the face of potential challenges. The focus remains on preserving the progress made during Biden’s presidency and preventing a return to the divisive politics of the Trump era.
In conclusion, while concerns about Biden’s age and the viability of his running mate persist, the overarching goal of defeating Trump and continuing the current administration’s policies appears to outweigh these issues. The support from influential Democrats highlights a pragmatic approach to the 2024 election, prioritizing stability and experience in a time of significant political uncertainty.
Source: The White House, Associated Press, FiveThirtyEight
