Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 US presidential election is not only the right personal decision, given his apparent age-related frailty, but also the right decision for the Democratic Party.
In a political landscape increasingly rife with division and danger, Democrats must now focus on quickly appointing a strong successor to counter the alarming prospect of a Trump-Vance ticket. This potential Republican duo, if victorious, poses a significant threat not only to the stability of U.S. policy, but also to global democracy and diplomatic norms.
First, let’s talk about Joe Biden. A man who, despite the relentless barrage of criticism, has managed to steer the ship of state through some of the most turbulent waters in recent times. His administration has handled a pandemic, an uprising and a host of other crises with a steady if sometimes shaking hand. But Biden is not a young man. The presidency is aging its incumbents by dog years, and Biden’s age and health are under increasing scrutiny. By stepping down, he recognizes the need for new leadership and the brutal reality of the physical and mental demands of the presidency. It’s a rare moment of self-awareness in a field often marked by stubborn clinging to power.
The Democratic Party, now freed from the burden of defending an aging incumbent, must act quickly to consolidate its power around a fresh and dynamic candidate.
And why is that so important? Enter stage right, the Trump-Vance ticket. The prospect of a Donald Trump-JD Vance presidency sends shivers down the spines of everyone who lives and breathes on planet Earth. Trump, a figure whose presidency has been marked by disunity, unpredictability and a flirtation with authoritarianism, coupled with Vance, a man who has clearly transformed from an anti-Trump conservative to a staunch supporter, is a nightmarish scenario. It is a combination that threatens to destroy the delicate fabric of American democracy and, more broadly, destabilize the global order.
For Democrats, the urgency of finding and supporting a successor cannot be overstated. This successor must embody a vision of progress, inclusivity and resilience. Figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, or even rising stars like Gov. Gavin Newsom must now take center stage and present a united front against the looming specter of Trumpism. The party must not allow the primaries to become a heated battle that weakens the eventual candidate. Instead, the focus should be on building a cohesive narrative that underscores the Biden administration’s successes while laying out a forward-looking agenda that addresses the pressing concerns of everyday Americans.
In addition, the Democratic Party’s strategy must also include strong voter mobilization. The 2020 election demonstrated the power of grassroots organizing, especially in battleground states. This momentum must be maintained and strengthened to ensure that voter suppression efforts are vigorously countered and the electorate is fully engaged. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and complacency is a luxury Democrats can’t afford.
Furthermore, a Trump-Vance ticket poses a direct threat to the sanctity of democratic institutions. Trump’s attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and his influence on the January 6 insurrection are well documented. Vance, who once criticized Trump, is now repeating his baseless claims of election fraud. This duo could undermine already fragile confidence in the integrity of American elections, potentially leading to further popular unrest and weakening the democratic norms that underpin not only the United States but many other democracies around the world.
A Trump-Vance administration would likely reinforce the isolationist, nationalist policies that characterized Trump’s first term. This is bad news for global trade, international alliances and collective security. The world saw the consequences of Trump’s “America First” policies — alienating allies, emboldening autocrats and retreating from international cooperation on issues like climate change and public health. A second round with a potentially more ideologically aligned vice president in Vance could be even more destructive.
The impact on Europe, Asia and the wider international community cannot be overstated. The United States, for all its shortcomings, is still a linchpin in the international system. A destabilized America under Trump and Vance could embolden adversaries like Russia and China while leaving allies insecure and vulnerable. It could mean the failure of decades of diplomatic and strategic efforts to create a stable, rules-based international order.
It is important for the Democratic Party to act quickly and decisively. They must unite around a candidate who can confront the Trump-Vance threat with a vision that is both ambitious and achievable, a vision that can unite a divided nation and restore trust in its democratic processes. This candidate must be more than just a response to Trump; They must offer a forward-looking agenda that addresses the concerns of all Americans, from urban centers to rural heartlands.
