A longtime Democratic National Committee (DNC) member has made headlines by suggesting that President Joe Biden should not be the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, following what many saw as a disappointing debate performance.
James Zogby, a DNC veteran of over three decades, expressed his concerns on CNN, saying that “in politics, two weeks, three weeks become a lifetime.” He proposed a quick, organized primary process before the convention, arguing it could energize the party and potentially alter the trajectory of the upcoming election. Zogby’s plan would limit the primary to candidates supported by at least 40 DNC members or delegates, featuring town halls and leading to a streamlined convention.
“It would be an exciting process. You all in the media would be covering it wall to wall from noon to one in the morning every day. It would be like the Kennedy election in 1960,” Zogby said. “Here’s the point. Instead of this happening, Joe Biden leaving later in the process toward the convention and handing it off to Kamala Harris, it would give her an opportunity to show her stuff in an engaged democratic process.”
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Reactions within the DNC have been mixed, with some members backing the idea while others wait for direction from party leaders. Despite the uncertain response from top officials, Zogby stands firm on the need for his plan, seeing it as a way to avoid electoral turmoil or a Trump victory.
The push for a new nominee comes as a significant portion of the Democratic Party grows increasingly concerned about their chances in the upcoming election, fearing that sticking with Biden could lead to electoral defeats in a highly charged political atmosphere against former President Donald Trump.
Internal party surveys and public polling indicate a rising desire for a new Democratic candidate who could more effectively counter Republican tactics and revive the party’s fortunes for 2024. The concept of a mini-primary and revamped nomination process seems to appeal to some voters looking for an alternative to Biden.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic Congressman Lloyd Duggan of Texas have voiced concerns about Biden’s capacity to serve, with Duggan openly calling for Biden to step down. Democratic leaders, donors, and allies are increasingly expressing doubts, with some pushing for a resolution on Biden’s campaign soon. After Biden’s debated performance, figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have questioned whether it was a one-off or part of a larger issue.
The White House has stated that inquiries into Biden’s health are legitimate, following more frequent slips in his speeches. A new CNN poll indicates that 75% of voters think the Democrats would stand a better chance without Biden as the nominee. Biden’s explanation for his debate performance, attributing it to travel fatigue after visits to France and Italy, has not done much to reassure voters.
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