"Who is the Closest Alternative if Biden Steps Down?"

Seven sources from President Joe Biden's campaign, the White House, and the Democratic National Committee, familiar with ongoing discussions, revealed that Vice President Kamala Harris is the top alternative to Biden in the presidential race if he decides not to continue. The sources, who requested anonymity, stated that avoiding Harris is "nearly impossible." They explained that choosing Harris (59 years old) as the party's candidate means that the donations raised by Biden's campaign and the campaign infrastructure will transfer to her. They pointed out that "Harris also has the highest profile compared to all alternatives, and the highest approval ratings among Democrats who can be seriously considered as candidates." Biden's sometimes shaky and incoherent performance in the first debate against his Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, last week has sparked panic within the Democratic Party due to concerns that he may not be fit enough for a second term, amid calls from party leaders for him to step down. Some prominent Democrats have suggested alternatives to Biden alongside Harris.