USA - WASHINGTON D.C. If Joe Biden can no longer run for office for health reasons, the Democrats would have to choose a new presidential candidate. The potential alternatives have different programmatic focuses that make them attractive to different groups of voters.
Kamala Harris, the incumbent vice president, is a prominent option. She supports an expansion of Obamacare, advocates for comprehensive criminal justice reforms and supports the Green New Deal to combat climate change. In foreign policy, Harris advocates multilateralism and the strengthening of international alliances such as NATO (CNN, AP).
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has made a name for himself through his progressive climate policies. He promotes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the expansion of renewable energies and the introduction of stricter environmental regulations. In foreign policy, Newsom emphasizes international cooperation to combat climate change and the strengthening of NATO (New York Times, Washington Post).
Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, supports the expansion of the health care system and LGBTQ+ rights. Buttigieg relies on inclusive economic policy and sustainable urban development. In foreign policy, he takes a diplomatic approach and advocates strengthening NATO and international partnerships (Time Magazine, Washington Post).
Elizabeth Warren is known for her progressive views, including support for "Medicare for All", strong consumer protection measures and the regulation of large financial institutions. She also supports the Green New Deal and extensive investments in green technologies. In foreign policy, Warren relies on multilateralism and strengthening NATO (CNN, AP).
Bernie Sanders has a loyal following and consistently represents progressive positions. He advocates "Medicare for All", social justice and high taxes for the rich. Sanders supports the Green New Deal and calls for massive investments in renewable energies. In foreign policy, he relies on diplomatic solutions and strengthening NATO, while being critical of military interventions (New York Times, Washington Post).
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her strong charisma, mobilizes young and diverse voters in particular. She supports "Medicare for All", comprehensive criminal justice reforms and the Green New Deal. In foreign policy, she emphasizes diplomatic solutions, international cooperation and strengthening NATO (Time Magazine, Washington Post).
Stacey Abrams has made a name for herself through her work promoting voting rights and her role in Georgia's political transformation. She supports expanded access to health care, economic mobility and progressive tax policies. In terms of climate policy, Abrams is committed to action on climate change. In foreign policy, she emphasizes strengthening NATO and diplomatic solutions (CNN, AP).
Within the Democratic Party, some potential presidential candidates have more targets for Republicans than others.
Kamala Harris is often the target of criticism for her role in criminal justice reform and her performance as vice president. Her mixed poll numbers make her vulnerable (CNN, AP).
Gavin Newsom could be targeted for his progressive policies in California and his handling of state finances, particularly the housing crisis (New York Times, Washington Post).
Pete Buttigieg may be attacked because of his comparatively limited experience at the highest political level and may struggle to persuade older and more conservative voters (Time Magazine, Washington Post).
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, both prominent representatives of the progressive wing, are vulnerable to attacks that portray them as too left for the mainstream because of their economic policy positions and support for Medicare for All (CNN, AP, New York Times, Washington Post).
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is often perceived as too extreme for moderate voters because of her progressive views and comparatively limited national experience (Time Magazine, Washington Post).
Stacey Abrams could be targeted because of her limited federal government experience and strong position in the voting rights fight (CNN, AP).
The Democratic Party could consider several ways to unseat Joe Biden as presidential candidate, even against his will.
A key mechanism is the party conventions and delegate decisions, where delegates have the opportunity to nominate another candidate despite Biden's office (Ballotpedia).
Superdelegates, consisting of high-ranking party members, also have significant weight in the nomination and could vote decisively against Biden if there is significant opposition (The Atlantic).
Strong support for alternative candidates could also be built within the party to increase pressure on Biden to nominate his candidates.
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