The American elections face crucial moments, making it challenging to anticipate future outcomes. Three key questions are circulating: Will Biden heed the advice of his allies and party members by stepping down to prevent a potential Democratic loss to Trump? What options do Democrats have if President Biden chooses not to step aside? Who is the presidential contender capable of challenging Trump, who appears to maintain significant popularity, particularly after his assassination attempt that will reinforce the momentum of the election in Trump’s favour?
The first question about Biden’s potential withdrawal based on his party members’ opinions remains unanswered as Biden continues to hold onto his candidacy. However, many believe that his determination is simply the result of an old man’s stubbornness, rather than a well-thought-out decision. This is evident in his justifications for his mistakes, slips of the tongue, and embarrassing moments in public, which often fall short. For instance, Biden blamed his loss in the first debate against Trump on a hectic schedule and travelling issues that exhausted him. Additionally, the president and his team consistently overlook Biden’s frequent errors in the names of individuals and places, likely stemming from his declining health due to old age, a fact that is becoming increasingly apparent to all.
In the second question regarding how the party can address Biden’s stubbornness, it is clear that if he remains unwilling to step down, drastic measures may need to be taken. One possible action could involve exerting significant pressure, like withholding financial support from the Democratic National Committee and other crucial assets, to persuade him to reconsider his stance.
This process can be traced back to a few days ago when George Colony made the first call for Biden to step down. The endorsement from actor George Clooney holds significant weight, hence why the media has placed a strong emphasis on it. This is due to Clooney’s history of hosting large-scale political fundraisers. Furthermore, Clooney recently organized a fundraiser that raised $30 million for the Biden campaign in Los Angeles last month. Despite this, Clooney expressed his disappointment after the debate, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to admit, but the Joe Biden I interacted with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the same Joe “big F-ing deal” Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same individual we all saw at the debate.”
The colony’s declaration was followed by a string of announcements from prominent fundraisers. According to the New York Times, certain influential Democratic donors threaten to withhold $90 million in donations if Biden remains at the top of the list. The Times also reported that an adviser to the largest pro-Biden political action committee, Future Forward, stated that any paused donations would resume once the current uncertainty over the nominee is resolved.
Abigail Disney, granddaughter of Roy O. Disney, who co-founded The Walt Disney Company, revealed to CNBC on Thursday that she intends to stop contributing to the party she has supported for years until Biden steps down.
“I plan to cease all contributions to the party unless and until they replace Biden at the top of the ticket. This is not disrespect, it’s realism,” Abigail Disney said in a lengthy statement to CNBC. “Biden is a good man and has served his country admirably, but the risks are too high. If Biden does not step down, the Democrats will lose. I am absolutely sure of that. The consequences of losing will be truly dire.”
Additionally, according to CNBC, Carla Jurvetson, a philanthropist and major Democratic donor, suggested as recently as Tuesday on a private call to donors that she concurred with the prevailing view about pausing donations until Biden steps down. Jurvetson is among the top 50 donors across the country this cycle, giving more than $30 million to Democrats in 2020, according to the data.
Given the recent shift away from Biden by politicians and donors, it seems unlikely that he will be able to sustain his presidential campaign with the decrease in funding. This raises the third and the crucial question: Who could step in as a viable contender against Trump? While Kamala Harris and some state governors have been considered, the unexpected emergence of Michelle Obama’s name, as predicted by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, has completely altered the landscape. Despite her previous disinterest in any political office, Michelle Obama is now seen as a strong potential candidate to challenge Trump. Although the Democratic Party is currently dominated by Biden loyalists, Michelle could be a formidable choice if Biden decides to step aside.
Michelle Obama presents a more compelling option than Kamala Harris, who is only supported by the party due to her popularity among African Americans, despite her lack of widespread appeal and charisma. Michelle Obama’s candidacy resolves this issue for the Democratic Party. As an African-American woman who rose from a working-class background in Chicago to attend Harvard Law School and become a successful lawyer, grassroots organizer, and highly respected First Lady, she embodies the qualities needed to win over voters. Additionally, Michelle Obama is likely to receive support from the Obama voting coalition, which includes young people, minorities, and women, and has the potential to lead the candidate to victory. If Biden steps aside and Michelle decides to enter the race, she will have a significant advantage. Barack Obama’s enduring popularity and unmatched charisma will be a major asset to the campaign. The question is whether the Democratic Party can navigate this challenging situation, remove Biden, and position Michelle Obama as the dark horse in the 2024 American elections.
Dr Marwa El- Shinawy – Academic and writer
