In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will not seek re-election in the 2024 US presidential race. Instead, he has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new nominee. This unexpected decision has stirred political waters, with former First Lady Michelle Obama emerging as a popular alternative among Democratic voters.
According to a recent poll by The Center Square Voters’ Voice conducted with Noble Predictive Insights, 24% of Democrat-leaning likely voters favor Michelle Obama over other candidates, including Kamala Harris, who ranked seventh with 7%. The poll results have intensified speculation about Michelle Obama’s potential candidacy, despite her previous indications of no interest in running for office.
Following Biden’s announcement, former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s leadership but did not endorse Harris. Meanwhile, social media buzzed with claims that Michelle Obama is the “only person who can beat Trump.” One user on X noted, “I’ve been hearing this several times now. People in Chicago are not happy. Is it smart to be in the Windy City during the Democratic Convention?” Another user speculated, “At the convention, it will be Michelle. Please focus on her statements/behavior for examination.”
Adding to the speculation, former GOP contender Vivek Ramaswamy, who previously predicted Biden’s withdrawal, said, “Now, I’m predicting Kamala Harris won’t be [the nominee] either. I wouldn’t rule out Michelle Obama becoming the nominee.”
Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison assured party supporters of a transparent and fair process for selecting a new candidate. The Democratic National Convention, scheduled to start in Chicago on August 19, will see nearly 4,000 delegates from across the country gather to elect their candidate for the November general elections. Although Biden’s endorsement boosts Harris’s chances, the final decision rests with the delegates.
“The work that we must do now, while unprecedented, is clear,” Harrison stated. “In the coming days, the party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.”
Harrison expressed gratitude for President Biden’s accomplishments over the past four years and emphasized the party’s commitment to nominating and electing a Democratic president who will continue Biden’s legacy.
As the Democratic Party navigates this unexpected shift, all eyes are on the upcoming convention, where the future of the party’s leadership will be determined.
