There is growing speculation regarding whether or not Joe Biden will be the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential election. This speculation extends even to prominent Democrats such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who are all eagerly considering the opportunity to enter the race. The decision for Democrats to replace Biden, if they choose to do so, remains unclear. They have the option to wait until their national convention to make this decision.
An article published by Axios highlights the efforts of Democratic governors and senators to enhance their national profiles and position themselves as potential presidential candidates in 2028, or potentially even in 2024 if President Biden unexpectedly drops out of the race. While these ambitious next-generation Democrats support Biden’s re-election, they are also seeking to establish themselves for future presidential races. This early jockeying can also be seen as a preparation for the possibility of Biden, who is 80 years old, experiencing health concerns or deciding not to seek re-election before the Democratic National Convention in August of next year.
The article points out that in recent months, several Democratic lawmakers have been actively engaging in activities to build their political resumes and raise their national profiles. This includes establishing national political organizations, undertaking foreign trips to enhance their foreign policy credentials, and visiting states that traditionally hold early presidential primaries. For example, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, who ran for president in 2020, currently has $10 million cash on hand for his 2026 Senate re-election bid, which could potentially be transferred to a 2024 presidential campaign if he decides to run.
Booker is also actively involved in various political activities, such as headlining a panel in South Carolina on health care and abortion rights, and supporting his former aide Clay Middleton’s candidacy in the Charleston mayoral race. These actions demonstrate Democratic lawmakers’ efforts to establish connections and position themselves for future political endeavors.
However, despite the ambitions of these Democrats, it is important to consider the potential role of Biden’s ego in determining the future course of events. Biden firmly believes that he is doing an excellent job, and he may insist on running for re-election. This could potentially create a dilemma for Democrats who have been preparing themselves for a post-Biden era. In such a scenario, they would need to navigate the delicate task of convincing Biden to step aside while maintaining party unity and cohesion.
In conclusion, the speculation surrounding Joe Biden’s potential candidacy in the 2024 presidential election has led to prominent Democrats quietly positioning themselves for future runs. Their efforts to boost their national profiles and engage in political activities indicate their aspirations for higher office. However, the final decision to replace Biden remains uncertain, and Democrats will need to consider how to handle any potential resistance from Biden if he decides to pursue re-election.
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