As Americans celebrate their 248th birthday, something seems to be happening in the nation's capital. At least, Tom Whalen thinks so.
“I don't think Democrats have any choice but Biden,” Whelan said, “and I think that's going to happen this week because the money from big donors is drying up.”
Whelan, an author, historian and associate professor at Boston University, was one of the millions of Americans who watched last week's presidential debate and became convinced that President Joe Biden should withdraw from the election.
“It was an absolute disaster,” Whelan said. “At times I had to look away. If you have an elderly relative and you love them and you care about them deeply and they can't string two sentences together anymore, that's heartbreaking. I felt that way too. Biden deserves better.”
What Biden is currently experiencing is a steep decline: Polls show his approval rating dropping in key battleground states, even in states he won in 2020, including Nevada, Arizona and Georgia.
And a growing number of lawmakers are calling for Biden to step down, with Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton being the latest.
Whelan said any Democrat could replace Biden if he steps down, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg or Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but he supports Kamala Harris.
“Technically it's open to anyone,” he said, “but it would be a smooth transition for Harris.”
Whelan said Harris' background as a prosecutor would confuse Donald Trump in a debate, and that her being a new face would be a big plus. Plus, the Trump campaign would be forced to quickly change course as they've focused all their attack ads on Biden.
“With a new nominee, it's going to take them a while to adjust,” Whelan said, “whether it's Harris or someone else.”
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