Ever since President Biden made the decision to step aside and make way for Kamala Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket, other prominent Democrats have not yet announced their intentions to run. While many party leaders are supporting Harris, there remains uncertainty about who would be the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump. With this in mind, our team of Opinion columnists and contributors evaluated potential contenders and provided scores on two key dimensions: electability and excitement in the eyes of voters. Here’s what they had to say about some of the discussed candidates.
Kamala Harris
Electable: 5 • Exciting: 6
Harris’s electoral track record has been weak, but her potential to make history as the first female president and the second nonwhite politician in the Oval Office could work in her favor. However, her appeal to swing voters is questionable, and she may struggle to distance herself from the Biden-Harris record on issues like inflation and immigration.
Whitmer
Electable: 7 • Exciting: 6
As the governor of Michigan, Whitmer has won the favor of many, and her ability to win in a swing state by a sizable margin makes her a strong contender. She could be a viable nominee in a race likely to come down to key Midwestern battlegrounds.
Newsom
Electable: 2 • Exciting: 4
Gavin Newsom may not resonate with swing voters, and his personal scandals and image may pose problems for energizing the electorate. Moreover, his potential appeal could be limited nationally.
Warnock
Electable: 5 • Exciting: 6
Warnock’s appeal as a strong candidate is evident, especially considering his popularity among both Black working-class voters and white liberals. However, his departure from the Senate could risk a Republican successor, making him a questionable choice for the presidency.
Kelly
Electable: 6 • Exciting: 4
Astronaut Mark Kelly’s compelling personal narrative and background may appeal to voters, but it remains to be seen if he has the national profile and political identity to ignite a successful campaign.
Murphy
Electable: 5 • Exciting: 4
New Jersey’s Senator Murphy is a youthful and likable figure, but his national appeal is limited, and his electability is uncertain outside of deep-blue states.
Pritzker
Electable: 5 • Exciting: 3
Governor Pritzker’s relevance beyond the Midwest is questionable, and his potentially divisive image as a rich leader from a corrupt state could hinder his success.
Beshear
Electable: 6 • Exciting: 6
Beshear’s appeal as a Democrat in a deeply Republican state is noteworthy, but his ability to inspire the broader electorate, particularly in a challenging political climate, is up for debate.
Moore
Electable: 6 • Exciting: 6
Governor Moore’s potential as a rising political star with parallels to Barack Obama is clear, but his lack of national recognition and experience are factors that must be considered.
Shapiro
Electable: 7 • Exciting: 6
Pennsylvania Attorney General Shapiro’s strong electoral performance and center-left appeal make him an attractive candidate. However, concerns about his support for Israel and potential backlash from certain party factions could pose challenges.
Ultimately, the upcoming presidential race presents numerous contenders with varying strengths and weaknesses. Every candidate has unique attributes that contribute to their electability and excitement levels, but the decision to replace President Biden will undoubtedly be complex and pivotal for the future of the Democratic Party. These are critical considerations to keep in mind as we look towards the 2024 presidential election. Who would you like to see replace President Biden? Let us know, and we may publish your response in a follow-up article.
