On the 21st (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden abruptly withdrew from the Democratic presidential race, making Vice President Kamala Harris the top candidate for the so-called 'post-Biden' era. However, Harris's nomination is not guaranteed solely because she is Biden's running mate. In addition to Vice President Harris, the possibility of former First Lady Michelle Obama, wife of former President Barack Obama, and California Governor Gavin Newsom entering the race cannot be ruled out.
Former President Barack Obama (left) and his wife, Michelle Obama [Image source=Michelle Obama SNS capture]
According to local media reports, the main figures who could run as the Democratic presidential candidate following President Biden include Vice President Harris, Governor Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Despite having repeatedly stated that she has no intention to run, former First Lady Obama is also frequently mentioned due to her popularity and high public recognition.
Among them, Governor Newsom's strength lies in his base in California, a traditional Democratic stronghold, which allows him to garner broad support centered around immigrants. He is a prominent politician in his 50s who has recently been gaining influence within the Democratic Party. He is also a leading voice and debater within the party. However, since his roots are in California, he has the disadvantage of not being able to capture votes in key battleground states in the Midwest.
As cards that can win votes in battleground states, Michigan Governor Whitmer and Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro are highlighted. Both are relatively young politicians with fresh images, aged 52 and 51 respectively. Governor Whitmer has won twice in Michigan, a battleground state. She was also a figure former President Trump referred to as "that woman from Michigan," signaling his wariness. However, she has already stated that she would support Vice President Harris if President Biden withdraws from the presidential race. Governor Shapiro is considered weaker in terms of national recognition compared to Governors Newsom and Whitmer. They are also mentioned as possible running mates if Vice President Harris becomes the presidential candidate.
Additionally, Secretary Buttigieg gains points for his experience running in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary and for having served in the cabinet over the past four years. Former private equity executive and Hyatt hotel heir Governor Pritzker is also on the candidate list. With assets worth $3.5 billion, his ability to self-fund his campaign is seen as a strength.
Currently, both inside and outside the political sphere, the card of former First Lady and bestselling author Michelle Obama continues to be mentioned as the Democratic Party's new presidential candidate. Despite her repeated public statements that she has no intention to run, she is still considered the most competitive Democratic candidate in terms of public recognition and influence. In a poll released by CNN on the 2nd, Obama’s approval rating was 50%, overwhelmingly surpassing former President Trump’s 39%. In an Ipsos poll, Obama was the only hypothetical candidate who could beat former President Trump.
Some analysts suggest that immediately after President Biden’s withdrawal, former President Barack Obama’s statement that "a process will be created to bring out an excellent candidate," without expressing support for any specific candidate such as Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden endorsed, leaves room for interpretation. New York Magazine reported, "The Republicans are waiting for Vice President Harris and fear Michelle Obama."
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