Credits: NBC News
As President Joe Biden insists on staying in the race, some Democrats are privately considering alternatives due to increasing opposition within the party.
While recovering from COVID-19 at his Delaware beach house, Biden received support from Hillary and Bill Clinton, highlighting his growing isolation within the party. Meghan Hays, a former Biden White House staffer, acknowledged Biden’s frustration but noted his pragmatic approach to politics.
Despite a pledge to return to the campaign trail, support for Biden continues to wane. Some Democrats are contemplating contingency plans, such as whether Vice President Kamala Harris should replace Biden or if an open nominating convention in Chicago next month is needed.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to lead if Biden steps back. However, campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz emphasized the need for party unity against the “terrifying” possibility of a Trump presidency. Still, 32 Democratic congressmen and four senators have publicly urged Biden not to seek re-election, with 11 of these calls coming after Trump’s Republican National Convention speech.
Among the dissenters are longtime Biden allies like Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) reiterated his call for Biden to step aside, citing concerns about Biden’s performance and ability to defeat Trump.
As lawmakers return to Capitol Hill, Biden continues to recover from COVID-19. Meanwhile, some Democrats are planning potential replacements, favoring Harris but also considering an open nominating process. A group of legal scholars and grassroots organizers advocate for an open convention to select the nominee.
Many Democrats, however, prefer a seamless transition to Harris if Biden steps aside. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) stated, “Vice President Harris has the message, resources, and experience to defeat Donald Trump and safeguard our Republic. It’s time to pass the torch to Kamala.”