Politics

I've been against Biden stepping down, it's just so late in the process, and a heavy push for Kamala Harris to take his place in the media soured that; I have nothing against her personally, but she is the 'establishment' currently, as the VP of the current administration, and I don't feel she is particularly strong against Trump, other than a "I'd vote for anyone with a D next to their name over Trump" kind of way. That said, the hit to Biden's elect-ability between the debate, media coverage, and high name recognition members of his own party requesting him step down, has been large, and has damaged his ability to win.

A large part of the reason I feel he could successfully step down at this point, is if a good candidate is already in place to step up. The Dem and anti-Trump base will have no problem switching their vote. It's having someone to appeal to the people that could be persuaded either way, or may not even vote.

Personally, that would be Gavin Newsom from my perspective; he is well known, has been going head to head with Florida's DeSantis already, has been in the media in a way that already seems like he is gunning for the presidency, and was Biden's media spin room representative at the debate; but he has his drawbacks as well.

I've seen Whitmer floated, and I don't think she's an awful choice, but also feel she is needed in the roll she is currently in, and is doing an awesome job there.

Josh Shapiro... I know nothing about, may be a fine candidate, but my mind immediately turns to Turning Point USA's Ben Shapiro, and it is probably an unfortunate name recognition issue to the average person. Have to keep in mind, this is elevating mostly people with state level recognition to a national stage of people unfamiliar with them (in that way, maybe a swing state Dem would be a good pick).

The other people I've seen floated, I have no opposition to, but the main issue is, are the funds there to run an effective campaign to elevate someone who hasn't been running on the national stage, in only a few months time. 3+ months is plenty of time for an election in a state, or your average European sized country, I feel; but the US is massive, with a lot of states the size of a European country. It may be fine for the majority of people, but I worry about penetration into the swing states, particularly those that don't generally pay attention to elections, or the media.

Obviously stay away from anyone that is retirement age though, as the push to out Biden is specifically about his age, and perceived age related mental health, and have a preference to keep them under 70 by the end of 8 years in office, so they can do a double term without perceived age issues, so about 35 - 62.

If it's going to happen, Biden needs to step down in the next few days, and immediately come up with another viable candidate; Otherwise dems will need to stay the course with Biden.