LIFE AFTER JOE
Gavin Newsom still among top names to take on Trump as Kamala Harris gets Biden’s endorsement after dropping out of race
The task of naming a new nominee could be complex
GAVIN Newsom is one of several names floated to replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate in the 2024 election.
The race to name a new nominee comes after President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is ending his bid for re-election and quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him.
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Biden announced that he would not seek reelection by posting a statement on his X account.
"It has been a great honor in my life to serve as your president," he wrote.
"And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."
Biden added that he would be addressing the nation later this week.
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In the moments following the suspension of Biden's campaign, Newsom posted a statement thanking him for his dedication.
"President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans," he wrote on X.
"He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents."
Rumors that the California governor was testing the waters as a potential nominee started when he was spotted at the very first presidential debate for the upcoming 2024 Presidential election on Thursday.
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Newsom's presence in the CNN spin room during the event in Atlanta, Georgia had many attendees wondering why he was even there.
According to Newsom, he was there to cheer on Biden, 81, as he went head-to-head with former president Donald Trump.
'Is he okay?' viewers wonder as President Joe Biden takes the stage with a 'hoarse' voice to begin debate with Trump
“Biden is confident,” Newsom, 56, told reporters, per Bloomberg.
“He’s got a record and he’s got a vision for the future.”
However, Biden's frail appearance and raspy voice left many people with a cloudy vision of said future.
Shortly after the 90-minute debate, many people started speculating that Newsom had become the backup candidate for the party should the president be pushed to decline the nomination.
Possible replacements for the Democratic Presidential candidate
Find a complete list of people who might take over the Democratic nomination should Joe Biden step down
- Gavin Newsom: California governor who has been a staunch supporter of President Biden.
- Kamala Harris: Current Vice President to Joe Biden. Many have deemed her the natural successor, however, she is too close to the Biden presidency and has low approval ratings.
- Gretchen Whitmer: Current Michigan governor who has labeled herself as a "progressive" Democrat.
- Hillary Clinton: Former Secretary of State and failed 2016 presidential candidate. Has denied the rumors stating she will back Biden.
- J.B Pritzker: Governor of Illinois and cofounded the Pritzker Group, a private investment firm.
- Sherrod Brown: The current senator from Ohio. A strong voice on labour rights and protections, he has also spoken defending IVF and abortion.
- Dean Phillips: Currently serves as Minnesota's representative. Former 2024 Democratic candidate but failed to gain traction.
The California governor, who has been one of Biden's most staunch supporters, has long been rumored to be running a shadow campaign in case Biden fails to secure the nomination.
Previously, Newsom has insisted that he would not be the Democratic nominee in November.
"I would never turn my back on President Biden. I don’t know a Democrat in my party that would do so," Newsom told Metro.
"And especially after tonight, we have his back.
"We run, not the 90-yard dash. We are all in. We’re going to double down in the next few months. We’re going to win this election."
Vice President Kamala Harris seems to be the natural successor, especially after Biden endorsed her immediately after dropping out of the race.
Many have pointed out, however, that poor approval ratings have dogged the former California senator who is thought to be too closely entwined with Biden's presidency.
Some people have also speculated former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton might enter the race.
But Clinton vehemently stated that she would not run against Biden and the Clintons endorsed Harris on Sunday.
"The choice in this election remains very simple," Clinton, 76, wrote on X after Biden's disastrous debate.
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"It's a choice between someone who cares about you—your rights, your prospects, your future—versus someone who's only in it for himself," she before adding, "I'll be voting Biden."
According to the Democratic National Convention rules, delegates can “in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them."
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