Staff Reports
In a startling move reminiscent of watching a deer caught in headlights, President Joe Biden has opted out of the 2024 election, leaving Vice President Kamala Harris as the de facto star of the Democratic Party’s latest game show. With a mere note of gratitude for her partnership in pushing whatever agenda they could muster, Biden’s announcement on social media raised eyebrows and questions alike, particularly regarding what it means for Harris in her quest for the top job. It’s almost like handing someone the keys to a sports car but not telling them how to drive.
In a swift attempt to erase any doubts about who Biden was backing, the official X account was promptly updated to reassure everyone that picking Harris as his running mate was his “best decision.” Oh, how fond memories are when there’s a presidential race at stake. However, this creates an interesting dynamic for a Democratic Party that is now left with a classic game of musical chairs but without enough chairs to accommodate every ambitious politician hovering nearby.
Washington Examiner: Who will win the Democratic Party veepstakes? https://t.co/tpVx9Gnwkl
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenFeed) July 26, 2024
Historically speaking, Biden’s sudden dropout has drawn comparisons to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s retreat in 1968. Back then, the Democratic Party ended up with a hit or miss on their nomination, culminating in a loss to Richard Nixon. This time around, Biden has amassed a trove of delegates who are supposed to support him, but their loyalty appears about as solid as a wet paper towel. As the convention approaches—set for late August—it raises the question of whether the party is prepared to rally behind a candidate who hasn’t actually been in the driver’s seat just yet.
Now, here’s where things get really entertaining: Harris’ potential vice presidential options are floating around like leaves in the wind. Cleverly categorized into various buckets, the available candidates range from safe bets to outrageous gambles. The “safe choices” list is predictably bland with usual suspects who politicians love to keep around for appearances; think of fun guys like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz. They’re the porridge that nobody can take issue with—just what the party thinks they need.
Moving on to the “swing-state anchors,” these are the daring souls who will miraculously resurrect the Democrats’ chances in key battlegrounds. Names like Gretchen Whitmer and Josh Shapiro are tossed around like a football during a victory parade, functioning under the delusion that winning states like Michigan and Pennsylvania will actually solve the party’s woes. Balancers want to inject a sense of inclusion by including figures like Kentucky’s Andy Beshear. However, in the current mess, adding a dash of “bipartisanship” feels as futile as trying to put out a fire with gasoline.
As if that wasn’t enough, wild cards come into play. Billionaires like Illinois’ J.B. Pritzker could shake things up in ways calculated by a financial advisor, yet they carry with them the volatility of a pinball machine. The constitutional stipulation on candidates from the same state throws California’s Gavin Newsom out of the running while a fresh-faced Governor like Wes Moore from Maryland tentatively rules himself out—ostensibly playing coy while also signaling readiness to support Harris’ likely ascent.
With delegates who might finally feel they’ve made enough sacrifices by accepting Harris, the stage is set for a chaotic convention filled with surprises, surprises, and more surprises. Political ambitions will clash while the world amusingly looks on, wondering if the Democrats will rise to the occasion or merely cannibalize themselves in an act of unabashed desperation. It’s bound to be a reality show worthy of a prime-time slot—offer popcorn and stay tuned for the next episode.
