Apologies if anyone else here already had this idea, but I’ve needed a two week mental health break from all things politics following the debate.
I would hope by now that no matter how one feels about Biden staying in the race, that most people understand that there are only two realistic choices, politically and logistically. Either Biden stays in the race, or he drops out and directs his delegates for vote for Harris, his Vice President. Anything else would lead to chaos at the convention, a re-opening of the moderate/progressive divide, and many hurt feelings just 2.5 months before Election Day. A total disaster.
It appears Biden has made his decision, and it horrifies me to see national Democrats undermining our nominee — just hoping on an off-chance that a public campaign to oust Biden will work, and then if doesn’t work………???????
However, I do see a way to compromise between the two realistic options. Biden could announce that he hears the concerns of those worried about him serving until age 86, and thus he will not be serving a full second term, and that he will step down for Harris at some point in the next four years. However, he shouldn’t announce a precise date that he would step down and make himself even more of a lame duck. A vote for Biden-Harris in the 2024 election will be a vote for the first woman President (and first Asian-American President).
Everyone on the MAGA side assumes Biden will die in the next couple of years if he wins, and they are appropriately scaremongering their voters with racist/sexist bile about Harris. So if they’re riling up their base re: Harris, why shouldn’t we? The single most motivating issue for our side is Dobbs/abortion rights, and this an opportunity to give Dem voters the chance to vote for the first woman President as a response to Dobbs. One of Harris’ strongest areas when it comes to messaging is talking about abortion rights. And in this scenario, she would get much more attention on the campaign trail, potentially easing the burden on Biden.
Now, I’m not going to pretend that this isn’t without risks. Harris will suddenly receive much more scrutiny by the media and many more outward attacks from the right, which is always dangerous when you’re a black woman. Biden will also presumably get attacks such as, “If you’re not up to the job for four years, then you shouldn’t be in the race.” I’m sure he’d constantly get the media prodding him for a date when he would resign. However, for me, the potential upside definitely outweighs the potential downside. Obviously, both Biden and Harris would have to agree to this potential course of action.
Am I missing something here? Thoughts?