Growing concern about the figure of Joe Biden
Joe Biden has become an obvious concern for the Democratic Party in the United States. The fear began after the disastrous television debate with Donald Trump, but intensified after the attack against his Republican opponent. The scene of a determined Trump in Pennsylvania, raising his fist in the style of Winston Churchill and exclaiming “fight, fight, fight” has further highlighted the fragility of a Biden who seems unable to control his mistakes. Trump has shown an image of invincibility, while Biden appears dejected. This comparison between an agile politician, who understands the symbolic power of the moment, and another who persists in his candidacy despite the warning signs, is dynamite in an electoral race. In times of uncertainty, there is no greater magnetism than that of a strong leader, just as there is no greater weakness than perceived fragility.
Calls for Biden to withdraw increase
Calls for Joe Biden to withdraw have increased, especially as he stubbornly clings to his candidacy. All eyes are on Kamala Harris, not so much out of conviction but out of lack of alternatives. Harris is the vice president, and there is not enough time for a suitable replacement nor would it be wise to burn the strong card that the Democrats have in reserve: Michelle Obama. Many within the party dream of the moment when the former first lady takes the electoral stage, but launching her now without a solid previous campaign against a formidable Trump could be more damaging than keeping Biden in the race.
The plight of Kamala Harris
Democratic hopes depend on the victory of Donald Trump. The difficult decision is whether to allow Biden to continue and wear down, or whether Harris will be the one facing the fire. Kamala Harris, despite being a plausible option, does not have the support of the majority of her colleagues nor the popular charisma necessary to lead a candidacy. Although it was initially thought that she would be the new Hillary Clinton, her years as vice president have been quite the opposite, recording the lowest approval ratings in history for the position, with just 25-28% popularity. In addition, she has suffered the flight of senior members of her team, who have mentioned authoritarianism as the reason for her departure.
Alternatives for the Democratic Party
In this context, the August convention in Chicago could become an intense dispute between the different sectors of the party. Nothing seems clear in the internal debate of the Democrats. On the one hand, influential senators, historical leaders and donors have indicated that Biden should withdraw. On the other, Kamala Harris emerges as the only alternative, although an option that creates considerable divisions. Some even think Harris could be the perfect candidate to lose to Trump, preserving future leadership. Others assure that, if we have to lose, it should be Biden who does it, given that he has already reached his limit.
Could Biden resign from the presidency?
In the midst of this chaos, a new possibility has emerged that could offer oxygen to the Democrats: the resignation of Joe Biden, which would automatically place Kamala Harris in the presidency. From that position, she would have a substantial advantage in the next election. This option is fraught with risk, as Trump could maximize the vulnerability of a Harris questioned on all sides. However, considering that all other alternatives seem equally disadvantageous for Democrats, this could be the one. However, this route requires Biden to agree to withdraw, which seems highly unlikely.
The central issue: Trump’s victory
The consensus seems to point to an inevitable reality: the paths of the Democratic Party lead to the victory of Donald Trump. The real question they will have to face is whether they allow Biden to complete his defeat or whether someone else will fall in the attempt. With such uncertain terrain, Democratic strategy will be crucial in determining the future of the presidency in the United States.
