To the Editor:
While it is difficult to agree with the editorial published on June 30th that “To serve his country, President Biden should withdraw from the election race,” what is even more difficult is the reality that President Biden may need to take things a step further and resign from office immediately and allow Kamala Harris to run for president as the incumbent.
The advantage of a long primary is that it gives people time to coalesce around an eventual candidate, but if Biden simply withdraws from the campaign, likely leaving the choice to an open convention, Democrats would have no time to recover from the choice they were forced to make. Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro Or anyone.
Worse yet, fundamental policy disputes within the party, such as on Israel, immigration and technology, could further divide the party and cause chaos at the convention. The risk of self-inflicted damage cannot be ignored.
Four years ago, Democrats identified Kamala Harris as the right person to succeed Biden, as she would bring energy and enthusiasm to the presidency that was sorely lacking in the 2024 race. If Biden stepped down now, Democrats could coalesce around a candidate who could get straight to the important task of defeating his predecessor.
Samuel E. Kramer
new york
To the Editor:
Now that the Times editorial board and others have publicly called on Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic presidential nominee, it is time for us to start thinking about who the inspiring candidate is who can inspire the American electorate.
I suggest Cory Booker As the only candidate of national stature who offers a fresh and inspiring energy and perspective.
The greatest ailment facing our nation today is division and intolerance of differing viewpoints. Donald Trump has fostered and exploited that division, and would do so again if he were to serve a second term in office.
Biden was a competent president, but he failed to chart a path forward that inspires and unites us. To do that, we need someone who understands how politics work, but will always champion what’s better for us.
That’s what Cory Booker has been all along. Listen to what he said at the Democratic National Convention eight years ago. Love, unity, humility and gratitude were at the heart of his message. More than anyone else on the national stage right now, Cory Booker is the person who will lead us to be a united nation in November.
Sarah Gorham
Hailey, Idaho
To the Editor:
As a lifelong Democrat, I admire President Biden for his work, but after his performance in the debates, he has cemented the label of “too old” in the eyes of all viewers, and with Kamala Harris being just as unpopular as Joe, a change of candidate is essential.
lineup Josh Shapiro/Gretchen Whitmer Both are popular governors in must-win battleground states (Pennsylvania and Michigan). They are young, smart, articulate and could capture the lost youth vote. They will not be weighed down by Biden’s downsides.
The age issue will be reversed, and ex-felons will become ex-candidates. Donors will come back. The House and Senate will play a big role. The party will be revitalized. To get there, Democratic leaders must listen to their supporters and donors. This isn’t about Joe and Kamala, it’s about our country and our democracy.
Drew Leavens
Poway, California
To the Editor:
The candidates looming as possible successors to President Biden are the usual politicians, none of whom are suited to our times: our biggest problems are international, and we desperately need someone with strong experience in international affairs.
One such person is Susan RiceHe was a former national security adviser and former UN ambassador. Rahm EmanuelHe’s currently the ambassador to Japan, but of course he has White House experience as chief of staff under Barack Obama, and East Asia is at the center of a lot of tensions, so he’s well-suited for the job.
While domestic situations are certainly important, it is the international situation that particularly requires strong leadership.
David Soderblom
Baltimore
To the Editor:
Joe Biden is now president because the divided left of 2020 failed to rally behind any of the visionary and talented young candidates. Why does the Times editorial board think they can unite now? Read their own newspaper columns.
You all can’t even agree amongst yourself on who should be the nominee. Just read your own news pages. Can’t you see the left consuming ourselves with ideological purity tests and firing squads?
The question is not whether Biden is too mature to run for president. The question for potential Democratic voters is whether we are mature enough to introspect, set aside our personal litmus tests, and join hands to choose someone else. I fear the answer to that question is a resounding “no.”
Rev. Elizabeth M. Edman
new york
To the Editor:
President Biden will release the delegates and suggest that Democrats nominate the former vice president. Al GoreHe’s an early adopter of climate change, which will appeal to younger voters — he won the popular vote in 2000, so he has plenty of experience — and it will be hard for Republicans to attack him after 24 years out of the political spotlight.
If President Biden decides to withdraw from the election, rather than current Democratic Party leaders attacking each other, Gore could come out of retirement and run as a one-term presidential candidate to save the country.
Liz Wolf Spada
Wrightwood, California
To the Editor:
Andy BeshearHe is the Democratic governor of Kentucky, a state with strong Republican support. He has briefed the people of Kentucky every night during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been honest and reassuring. He has been transparent and reassuring. He is trusted by both Democrats and Republicans.
Andy Beshear is young, 46, intelligent and compassionate. Both President Biden and Andy Beshear are men of integrity. My hope is that Biden decides not to run and I give Beshear my blessing.
Jennifer Smith
Maysville, Kentucky
To the Editor:
Those who worry about angering black voters by ignoring Kamala Harris are arrogant in their assumptions. Black Democrats understand the polls, they understand that she is behind (for whatever reason, it doesn’t matter), and that in this crisis they need to support the candidate with the highest chance of winning.
It’s time for Democrats to stop assuming identity is paramount to voters. It’s insulting and elitist. But to keep everyone happy, here’s the following scenario: Gavin Newsom The state of California will immediately disqualify Harris (also a Californian) and then announce that Harris will replace Merrick Garland as Attorney General. Harris has ample experience in the position.
Stephen Huang
Sharon, Connecticut
To the Editor:
A face-saving way for President Biden would be to announce to all the convention delegates that he is opening up the vote to anyone. He says he has no plans to back down, though. He still sees himself as a candidate and wants to be nominated. This would force the convention to decide whether to choose another candidate or endorse Biden.
If he wins the nomination, he can say he gave the open convention the opportunity to choose someone else. If he loses, he can say he didn’t give up. He just let the convention decide. He did what was best for the party and the country. It’s an honorable exit.
Jerry Johnson
Reno, Nevada
To the Editor:
I agree with Bret Stephens on “‘Bad Debate’ Nonsense” (The Point, nytimes.com, June 30): Joe Biden has been a very successful president, and I have respected and supported him, but there seems to be a decline in cognitive ability (and not just his failure in the debates) that will only get worse in the coming years if he is re-elected to the most demanding job in the world.
There is a lot of uncertainty about who will replace him, who is well-known and ready. Biden must first decide to step down of his own volition, otherwise there will be serious backlash. Perhaps the most likely candidate to gain consensus behind him and quickly ascend to the campaign and presidency is a senator. Chuck Schumer.
He has extensive experience and knowledge of domestic and foreign policy, is a respected and persuasive speaker who could provide a strong counterweight to Donald Trump, and a likely running mate would be Gretchen Whitmer, a popular, articulate and effective leader (who could also help win Michigan).
Most importantly, they might win and save the country, the world and the planet from the catastrophic threat of Donald Trump.
Sally Jorgensen
Santa Cruz, California
To the Editor:
As a lifelong liberal, it pains me to say this, but only conservatives can defeat the MAGA threat. Joe Manchin, Currently an independent, she is the Democrats’ best, perhaps only, option to stop Donald Trump. Other candidates like Michelle Obama, Gavin Newsom, and Kamala Harris are simply unelectable. They are easy fodder for the MAGA propaganda machine. And no other competent Democratic elected official has the name recognition to sway the swing vote.
Bottom line: We liberals, and Democrats as a whole, have agreed to a second Trump term without having to make any hard choices.
Joe Manchin’s voting record is to the right of liberal ideals but still aligns with Democratic principles, and his independent label and reputation as a maverick will attract swing voters, and he’ll also win Republican votes from millions of mainstream party members who are put off by Trump’s street-cat morality.
I am a liberal Democrat, but right now it’s more important to be a patriotic American. Manchin is the only candidate who can defeat Trump and stop this MAGA madness. Let’s unite in Chicago for America.
Bruce Stoff
Ithaca, New York
To the Editor:
Regarding Michelle Goldberg’s “No Reason to Give in to Biden” (column, nytimes.com, July 1):
Count me among those who appreciate Joe Biden’s years of service to this country and his success during his presidency. Count me among those who want to be excited about a candidate. To me, that candidate is JB Pritzker.
As Governor of Illinois, he achieved many accomplishments, including passing gun control laws, balancing the budget, raising the minimum wage and enacting the Reproductive Health Protection Act.
Imagine a showdown with Donald Trump: a highly successful international businessman versus a corrupt businessman. Generosity versus greed. A kind person who accepts differences versus a domineering and racist. Clarity of language versus a poor vocabulary. A knowledgeable person versus a non-reader. A logical thinker versus a reactive person. A cooperative person willing to compromise versus a stubborn person.
At 59, he is in the perfect position to continue Joe Biden’s success and engage with other world leaders. Kamala should remain vice president for the sake of continuity.
I would vote for Joe Biden if I had to, but Pritzker is the man I want to vote for.
Nikki Bender
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Discussing fate
I have read 1000 essays.
On Biden’s Weak Debate
And who is the best person to replace him?
Before it’s too late.
Vice President Harris
You have to stand in Biden’s shoes.
She would beat Trump in every debate…
But in November lose.
Some point to Hillary
And this time she says she’ll win.
we”I’ve been there, I’ve done it.“Please choose again.”
It’s unlikely that she will win.
And some people want Gavin Newsom.
It will be our new choice.
“California Coastal Cool”
Did he lose the election?
Pritzker is wealthy;
Gathering a lot of support,
His record is good and his skills are strong.
What he lacks is charisma.
Michigan is an important state.
There is a good chance that Biden will lose.
Gretchen Whitmer is on the ball.
teeth she Which one should you choose?
President Michelle Obama?
I think she can achieve that.
But now her life is bright
She won’t want to let it go.
America is obsessed with fame
That’s why Taylor Swift can run!
Her tour is like a campaign.
Her gatherings are going to be fun!
Well, after all,
Do you think we’re with Joe?
He is sometimes vague and confused,
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Erica Fine
Brookline, Massachusetts
