2024 Democrat Presidential Candidates

[Eric]

Was glad to see Biden calling out fellow Republicans who helped to get the budget deal across, I get there are people upset on both sides but IMO this is what compromise looks like and would love to see more of it between Biden and McCarthy.

 

[Alli]

We’re going to be in a lot better place when the boomers die off. They’re a massive generation in size who have been in power way too long. The one thing they all have in common is they were born in the right country at the right time in history - largely untouched by the destruction of war, higher education ranged from free to dirt cheap, and you could get a job of nominal skill level even without a college degree that allowed you to support a family, mortgage, and some luxury items on a single income. Out of touch is a vast understatement.

You mean The Greatest Generation. Biden is not a “boomer.” I am a “boomer.” And while I agree the country needs to be handed over to the young (and I’m not going to point to a generation), it still has to be done on an individual basis. There are great people and awful people in every generation, both men and women. It’s time to stop generalizing.

 

[Citysnaps]

But how do the Dems move Harris aside. There could be a huge backlash if they do.

Maybe. If motivated a way can be found. I suppose Harris could also run as VP for whoever would step in for Biden. Or even run for prez herself.

Speaking of backlash...

I think that will be a relatively mice-nuts problem compared to trump running for President of the United States of America as a criminal defendant in NYC facing 34 felony counts. And... if the US Government were to charge trump as a result of the two criminal investigations currently underway (including trump's potential involvement in the insurrection of the United States Capitol and attempted coup). And then there's Georgia and Fani Willis, whose office said said indictments will be announced in the first half of August concerning efforts to interfere with the 2020 election.

How do you think the GOP (the party of Law and Order) would square trump running for prez, and voters being on-board casting ballots for trump, while he's facing facing the above legal issues?

 

[Roller]

Maybe. If motivated a way can be found. I suppose Harris could also run as VP for whoever would step in for Biden. Or even run for prez herself.

Speaking of backlash...

I think that will be a relatively mice-nuts problem compared to trump running for President of the United States of America as a criminal defendant in NYC facing 34 felony counts. And... if the US Government were to charge trump as a result of the two criminal investigations currently underway (including trump's potential involvement in the insurrection of the United States Capitol and attempted coup). And then there's Georgia and Fani Willis, whose office said said indictments will be announced in the first half of August concerning efforts to interfere with the 2020 election.

How do you think the GOP (the party of Law and Order) would square trump running for prez, and voters being on-board casting ballots for trump, while he's facing facing the above legal issues?

It'll be the same answer as always: They're all witch hunts.

 

[Roller]

We’re going to be in a lot better place when the boomers die off. They’re a massive generation in size who have been in power way too long. The one thing they all have in common is they were born in the right country at the right time in history - largely untouched by the destruction of war, higher education ranged from free to dirt cheap, and you could get a job of nominal skill level even without a college degree that allowed you to support a family, mortgage, and some luxury items on a single income. Out of touch is a vast understatement.

You may have not meant it that way, but your statement - especially the opening sentence - is insensitive, no matter what generation you belong to. It's also wrong to generalize. I and millions of other baby boomers contribute daily in many ways, and got where we did through years of hard work. Our generation was hardly untouched by war. According to the New York Times, many boomers served and died in the war in Vietnam. We also lived through the turmoil of 1960s civil rights protests (though the leaders of the movement were mostly born before 1946), the 1968 Democratic convention, riots, and Watergate, to name just a few. Hardly the privileged, out-of-touch generation you characterize us as.

I've stated here that I think Biden is too old to run again, though I'll note that he's not a boomer, nor are many other politicians who probably should have retired by now. But that's not because of what they experienced in their lifetimes — it's because of the effects of age, which vary considerably. I'll also note that the youngest boomers born in 1964 are in their late fifties, and few would say they should not be considered because of their age or generation.

 

[AG_PhamD]

Should it come down to Biden vs trump... even though I would expect Biden to win (assuming there are no adverse health surprises over the next 18 months - something I would definitely not bet on), I'm going to be pretty pissed, having to believe that's the best the US could do, and we must accept the situation. Seriously? That's really f'd up.

If desantis wins the gop primary, and runs against Biden, well, that'll be awful as well - likely for the next eight years.

Still hoping there's a Plan B ready to go, where Biden can graciously decide not to run, steps aside and endorses an excellent alternative, and becomes a senior foreign policy advisor to whoever that is. That probably won't be pretty, either. But I think it would be the best outcome for the country, preserving democracy.

Indeed… the same sentiment I’ve had for the past couple elections. There’s no way that out of hundreds of millions of Americans these are the “best” people we have to lead the nation. I’d almost rather blindly pick some random person off the street.

Biden never had much enthusiasm by his voters beyond being not-DJT. I think Trump’s support among his party really only applies to a very sycophantic vocal 30%. Then there’s another 1/3 who don’t love him but figure he’s the best chance at the party winning the election which is preferable to losing entirely. And then another 1/3 don’t what him at all but will vote for him but they’re stuck with him candidate.

If something happens to Trump where he cannot run or loses complete support, DeSantis will shoe right into into the R-candidate. It seems to me R’s at worst don’t dislike DeSantis but rather prefer Trump. The only Republican than hates DeSantis is Trump. Trump vs Biden I see as a tossup. DeSantis vs Biden I don’t think Biden has a chance.

As far as I can tell the Democrat’s backup plan is Kamala Harris, which is no backup plan at all. Her 2020 campaign flopped before it began, somehow her political skills have only degraded as time progresses, and I’m not sure she has any VP accomplishments she can actually point to (not even artificially constructed ones). People reportedly hate working for her too. The fact they’re keeping her as VP on the ticket suggests there is no plan.

I really dislike the fact Biden picked his VP primarily based on gender and race and not skill, electability, etc. Keep in mind she effectively called Biden a rapist on the world stage. I would love to see and happy to vote for a female, minority POTUS. But to have Kamala become the first Black-Indian female POTUS only because Biden died/stepped down and she was effectively a diversity hire I think sends such a gross message to women and minorities- “Sure you can be President, but only because a man allowed you the opportunity”.

Mayor Pete might have had a chance had he not been transportation secretary. Over the past few years he’s overseen tremendous transportation problems and has done an awful job at inspiring any sense of confidence.

The other question what is Biden actually campaigning on. If he’s up against Trump, I suspect he will do the “basement strategy” again, but I’m not so sure that’s going to work again. There’s a lot of doubt in Joe’s abilities and hiding will make him look even worse. And what if it’s DeSantis, I don’t think they have any plan for that. I can envision Biden trying to re-litigate COVID policy- and I don’t think that’s a message the public cares about at all now or wants to think about. Same with harping on Trump’s personality or Jan6. Those lines have been exhausted.

Heaven forbid candidates actually talk about the present and future and actual policy that touches the concerns people have.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

You mean The Greatest Generation. Biden is not a “boomer.” I am a “boomer.” And while I agree the country needs to be handed over to the young (and I’m not going to point to a generation), it still has to be done on an individual basis. There are great people and awful people in every generation, both men and women. It’s time to stop generalizing.

Boomer!

No offense intended towards you, but I still stand behind the fact that you were born in a great time in this country for personal economics that is far removed from the reality of today…or probably at least the past decade. Cultural change differences aside, "when I was growing up" might as well be talking about a different planet. A lot of anger at cultural changes comes from poor or uncertain personal economics and that applies to all generations. When more people have more financial security they also tend to be more live and let live.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

You may have not meant it that way, but your statement - especially the opening sentence - is insensitive, no matter what generation you belong to. It's also wrong to generalize. I and millions of other baby boomers contribute daily in many ways, and got where we did through years of hard work. Our generation was hardly untouched by war. According to the New York Times, many boomers served and died in the war in Vietnam. We also lived through the turmoil of 1960s civil rights protests (though the leaders of the movement were mostly born before 1946), the 1968 Democratic convention, riots, and Watergate, to name just a few. Hardly the privileged, out-of-touch generation you characterize us as.

I've stated here that I think Biden is too old to run again, though I'll note that he's not a boomer, nor are many other politicians who probably should have retired by now. But that's not because of what they experienced in their lifetimes — it's because of the effects of age, which vary considerably. I'll also note that the youngest boomers born in 1964 are in their late fifties, and few would say they should not be considered because of their age or generation.

See my response to Alli above. By untouched by war I mean cities in rubble and massive civilian casualties.

 

[Roller]

See my response to Alli above. By untouched by war I mean cities in rubble and massive civilian casualties.

I know you did, and I agree that seeing these things firsthand is valuable to candidate for President to give them a taste of what war entails, perhaps making them less likely to put armed forces and civilians in harm's way. But how many people in the generations that followed the boomers had such experience? In the context of this part of the discussion, it makes little or no difference.

It's true that many baby boomers were born in an era of high post-WW II expectations that we'd all live the dream of prosperity, with financial security. But many groups - Blacks, for instance - were largely excluded. Also, many people born in those years didn't really come of age until the late 60s and 70s, when the economic outlook wasn't so rosy.

 

[AG_PhamD]

You mean The Greatest Generation. Biden is not a “boomer.” I am a “boomer.” And while I agree the country needs to be handed over to the young (and I’m not going to point to a generation), it still has to be done on an individual basis. There are great people and awful people in every generation, both men and women. It’s time to stop generalizing.

I’m not sure Biden counts as “The Greatest Generation”. He was born in 1942, so wouldn’t really have been involved in the war effort. I would imagine his parents I believe he would technically be part of the silent generation. I’m not sure hard dates exist, but Biden strikes me as between being in the silent Gen and baby boomers.

I’m a millennial, but I have never liked the “okay boomer” catchphrase- it’s so dismissive, disrespectful, and oozes hubris. Traditionally society tends to pay respect to elders. Baby Boomers are responsible for providing us younger generations so many of the benefits we take for granted. That’s not to say older generations as a whole haven’t made mistakes, but it’s ridiculous to assume one’s younger generation has reached the state of enlightenment.

Baby boomers are still a large and important part of society and are still capable of changing how they influence society. Indeed I think it is important for older generations to allow younger generations to progress into leading the country, but likewise people should not be tossed out from society just because they hit retirement.

 

[Alli]

How do you think the GOP (the party of Law and Order) would square trump running for prez, and voters being on-board casting ballots for trump, while he's facing facing the above legal issues?

It’s for the good of the party. They need to have the power. Period. Hitler, himself, could run on the R ticket and they would support him if he could get the votes.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

I know you did, and I agree that seeing these things firsthand is valuable to candidate for President to give them a taste of what war entails, perhaps making them less likely to put armed forces and civilians in harm's way. But how many people in the generations that followed the boomers had such experience? In the context of this part of the discussion, it makes little or no difference.

It's true that many baby boomers were born in an era of high post-WW II expectations that we'd all live the dream of prosperity, with financial security. But many groups - Blacks, for instance - were largely excluded. Also, many people born in those years didn't really come of age until the late 60s and 70s, when the economic outlook wasn't so rosy.

What makes a difference in homeland untouched by war is while Europe had to spend time and resources on rebuilding cities, infrastructure, support services, communities, and dealing with deaths from inadequate support and services, in the US people got to just jump straight to prospering and innovation. That was a huge advantage for America and Americans. I’m not saying mental health and war deaths weren’t an issue with American soldiers. I’m saying Europe had to also deal with that and a lot more. Same can be said for any other war we’ve been involved in.

I realize the opening sentence of my OP was a little harsh and my views are largely coming from those of white males. The lives of minorities and women have improved since those times for sure. Baby boomers are a huge voting generation, maybe even still the biggest. It wasn’t until recently that younger people started voting in large numbers. It’s sad that, that is mostly reactionary voting to extremist policies, but still good that it’s happening. When you are young there’s a good chance your views were more aligned with improving things without paying much attention to the financial cost. When you get older it starts becoming more about protecting or growing your nest egg and maybe for some they even feel they should no longer be footing the bill for society’s problems. They’ve already paid their dues (that’s not how it works). There’s a problem when most of the people voting are mostly only interested in self-preservation.

I’m not saying baby boomers didn’t work hard, but there are people today working hard at comparable jobs who are getting nowhere near the financial reward and security older generations got. We’ve reached a point where each new generation is even more screwed than the previous generation…who was also screwed. I don’t see much of the desperately needed change happening as long as there is still a big voter base of pearl clutching over a time that hasn’t existed for a long time. After years of not knowing exactly when the “Again” in MAGA was it has been determined that for most they are referring to the 1950’s.

 

[Herdfan]

Conventional wisdom is that it is generally not a good idea to primary an incumbent, but this article seems to think it might be a good idea this time:

Why Democrats Should Primary Biden

It would be good for the party — and the president.

www.politico.com

 

[Eric]

Conventional wisdom is that it is generally not a good idea to primary an incumbent, but this article seems to think it might be a good idea this time:

Why Democrats Should Primary Biden

It would be good for the party — and the president.

www.politico.com

My guess is both parties are going to hold their nose and vote for their candidate, this time around the choices are terrible. We need some new blood.

 

[Citysnaps]

Conventional wisdom is that it is generally not a good idea to primary an incumbent, but this article seems to think it might be a good idea this time:

Why Democrats Should Primary Biden

It would be good for the party — and the president.

www.politico.com

Closely watching Biden over the last four years has me very concerned how he'll hold up, optically and physically, over the next 16 months. And then, should he be reelected president in 2024, how he'll perform over 2025 through 2028.

I'd much rather get in front of the issue now, while it's still possible.

 

[Eric]

Closely watching Biden over the last four years has me very concerned how he'll hold up, optically and physically, over the next 14 months. And then, should he be reelected president in 2024, how he'll perform over 2025 through 2028.

I'd much rather get in front of the issue now, while it's still possible.

IMO the only way he really wins is if Trump is the nominee because he's just so tainted at this point. But I think everyone shares your concern here, he really seems feeble and frankly most people in their 80s are typically receiving nursing care, etc. People will probably be taking a hard look at Kamala now.

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

My guess is both parties are going to hold their nose and vote for their candidate, this time around the choices are terrible. We need some new blood.

There are those who believe if Trump wins the nose holding contest there won’t be a next time. I wonder how many people were standing in the rubble of their house in the US at the end of the civil war or in Germany at the end of WWII going “I just wanted lower taxes.” *shrug*, or whatever the equivalent was back then.

 

[Citysnaps]

IMO the only way he really wins is if Trump is the nominee because he's just so tainted at this point. But I think everyone shares your concern here, he really seems feeble and frankly most people in their 80s are typically receiving nursing care, etc. People will probably be taking a hard look at Kamala now.

I like Kamala as a person, but I can't think of anything she's done in the last three years to distinguish herself. Though I understand as VP she has limited options, which is pretty much ceremonial, and a next in line to the prez.

 

[Roller]

Conventional wisdom is that it is generally not a good idea to primary an incumbent, but this article seems to think it might be a good idea this time:

Why Democrats Should Primary Biden

It would be good for the party — and the president.

www.politico.com

I suspect the Democrats’ thinking is along the following lines:

• Biden accomplished a lot during his first term, so he can run on his record.
• His performance can be polished in behind-the-scenes practice sessions. If he’s challenged in a primary, he’ll have more gaffes in public.
• Trump won’t agree to debate, so Biden will just have to speak to crowds using scripts.
• For their part, anyone who challenges Biden in a primary is concerned that will lessen their chances in 2028, since they’ll be viewed as disloyal to the party by some.

I don’t agree with these points, apart from the first. I wish Biden would step aside for the country, but I know he’s convinced he’s the man for the job. In some ways, it’s similar to what happened when Ruth Bader Ginsburg did by holding on as long as she did.

I’d feel a bit better about Biden if he had someone other than Harris as his running mate. She’s not a strong candidate, especially since there’s a good chance the VP will have to assume the Presidency some time during Biden’s second term. But I’m afraid he won’t drop her for the same reason he won’t step aside himself.

 

[Herdfan]

She’s not a strong candidate, especially since there’s a good chance the VP will have to assume the Presidency some time during Biden’s second term. But I’m afraid he won’t drop her for the same reason he won’t step aside himself.

He can't drop her. Dropping a Black female VP would be a horrible look.

I think the biggest risk for the Dems is that Biden wins the Primary and manages to make it to September or October, after it's too late to really do anything about it, and then has a few very public missteps. Worse than what he has done lately. At that point it becomes Harris and she just doesn't connect with people.