Amid growing calls for him to step away from the presidential campaign, Joe Biden will be meeting with nearly all of the nation’s Democratic governors, including possible replacements such as California’s Gavin Newsom, Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer, and Kentucky’s Andy Beshear. The closed-door meeting is aimed at showing support for Biden, with Maryland governor Wes Moore stating that Biden will not be stepping down from the race.
There is no formal mechanism to replace Biden as the presumptive nominee, and if he were to step aside, delegates from the primaries would have to choose a new candidate at the 2024 Democratic national convention. Possible options for replacement include Kamala Harris, Biden’s vice-president.
In the midst of these discussions, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, who has been mentioned as a possible Democratic candidate for president, expressed a desire to meet with members of a far-right militia who plotted to kidnap and kill her. The plot, motivated by resistance to Covid public health measures, led to arrests and convictions. Whitmer’s book, “True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between,” details her experience with the plot and threats from far-right groups.
Joe Biden’s recent lackluster performance in a televised debate with Donald Trump has caused growing concern among Democrats, with some urging him to withdraw his re-election bid. White House efforts to shield Biden’s missteps are being criticized, as many feel that the president needs to take responsibility for his candidacy. A new poll shows that 49% of voters would still vote for Trump, adding pressure on Biden to address the growing discontent within his party.
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