As the first debate between U.S. President Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump concluded, questions regarding the likelihood of candidates to lead the White House became a hot topic among global media and politicians, especially amid theories that the Democratic Party might replace its candidate, Joe Biden, with someone younger and more vigorous. After the debate, the Democratic candidate himself stated at one of the events held in New York and New Jersey, "I did not have a great night," acknowledging a decline in his debate performance and eloquence.
A poll conducted by Morning Consult indicated that a majority of voters, at 60%, believe Biden should be replaced as the Democratic presidential candidate. According to the site Predict It, which focuses on political forecasts, Biden's chances of retaining his position as President of the United States saw a "sharp decline" after Thursday's debate.
#### Who Are the Possible Replacements for Biden?
In this context, The Washington Post confirmed that the Democratic Party made efforts to avoid the debate, seeing it as crucial. It believes that Biden's continuation in the race post-debate "would only cause more harm," as a group of allies may suggest implicitly or explicitly that he is unable to perform the task.
The American newspaper outlined potential names presented as alternative options to Biden or even as competitors to him. However, Biden's replacement plan faces several obstacles, as it would require the President's consent to step down, and the replacement process itself does not guarantee Democrats a significant leap forward to challenge Republicans, who are currently drawing American attention strongly after the debate.
If the Democratic National Committee decides to replace Biden with another candidate, several names are likely to take center stage.
**Kamala Harris**
When discussing a replacement for Biden, the image of his Vice President Kamala Harris comes to mind, who has constitutional duties to step in if the President cannot continue his duties. She is one of two potential candidates who have already run a presidential campaign (albeit an unsuccessful one) and has greater national recognition than any Democrat who might enter the race. However, the former California attorney general and U.S. Senator does not enjoy widespread public support and is a disliked figure on the right, who frequently assert that Biden is merely a "Trojan horse" being used to regain the White House before stepping aside to allow her to take charge. The Washington Post confirms that "the Democratic Party does not have great confidence that she would be better than Biden."
**Pete Buttigieg**
Biden's Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, is another former competitor in the 2020 elections alongside Kamala Harris who could run for the White House if Biden withdraws. The Washington Post considers him the ideal option if the Democratic Party seeks a foil to Biden's inability to deliver a clear message to Trump.
The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has a charismatic personality and military service in his background, distinguishing him from peers like Donald Trump, who received at least five deferments from conscription to avoid participating in the Vietnam War during his youth. However, as Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg has faced several crises during his tenure, including air traffic control issues, train derailments, and bridge collapses, which could undermine his efforts despite strong media performances, including regular appearances on Fox News where he makes strong counterarguments.
**Gretchen Whitmer**
Gretchen Whitmer, the governor of Michigan, also comes to the forefront, being very popular in her state and seen as one of the moderate faction leaders in the Democratic Party in the post-Biden era. She was re-elected in 2022 by a wide margin backed by her support for reproductive rights and her management of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to her state swinging blue relatively easily. However, not everyone appreciated her strict lockdown measures, which led to an anonymous group's attempt to kidnap her. Whitmer possesses significant experience and a stronger national profile than other rising Democratic governors like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
**Gavin Newsom**
One of the more likely candidates to succeed Biden is Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, whose personal wealth and exceptional fundraising abilities make him a major competitor in terms of financial resources. During his re-election campaign in 2022, he pledged to serve a full four-year term if re-elected, presenting a dilemma as he is currently serving his second term. Newsom has been an enthusiastic supporter of Biden, even after the recent debate.
**Wes Moore**
Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, who is in his first term, could be considered a long shot against others with larger national profiles, but he compensates for his relative political obscurity with notable media skills and a strong record during his short tenure. He has already secured the future of the Baltimore Orioles team in the state and has been the public face of rebuilding efforts in Maryland following the disaster that devastated the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a notable landmark in Baltimore and a vital part of the city's port infrastructure. Moore graduated from Johns Hopkins University and, like Buttigieg, is a former Rhodes Scholar and army veteran, as well as an author of five books, including a young adult novel.
**Raphael Warnock**
Having won Georgia's Senate elections twice in a short time, Senator Raphael Warnock's prospects are better than those of other African American candidates who appeared on such lists in the past. The 2022 election campaign served as a roadmap for how Democrats can run in 2024, and with Democrats keen to maintain votes from battleground states outside the Midwest, "selecting someone from those states makes a lot of sense," according to The Washington Post.
**Michelle Obama**
Although she has not declared any intention to run, many politicians and analysts consider Michelle Obama an ideal replacement for Joe Biden, viewing her potential candidacy as a continuation of the Democrats' political legacy from 2008 to 2024—a trajectory disrupted by the election of former President Donald Trump, which could be seen as a "temporary deviation."
