President Joe Biden's unexpected decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race has created a significant stir within the Democratic Party and beyond. The 81-year-old's announcement has prompted a wave of support for former First Lady Michelle Obama, with many believing she is the only candidate capable of defeating former President Donald Trump.
Biden, who has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him, stated, "While it has been my intention to seek re-election, 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." His decision came amid mounting pressure from within his party, largely due to concerns over his age and physical fitness following a lackluster debate performance in late June.
The call for Michelle Obama to step into the race has been echoed across social media and by notable figures. Steven Bartlett, a well-known entrepreneur, stated, "At this point only Michelle can beat Trump. That is fact." This sentiment has been widely shared, with many believing that her popularity and poise make her a formidable candidate.
Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota remarked, "I don't think I'd be revealing any sort of polling secrets if I said Michelle Obama would probably be the one person that could step in and keep the party united and probably provide a little bit of a moving start because of her obvious notoriety."
Social media has been abuzz with calls for Obama to run. One user tweeted, "Michelle Obama... your country needs you... PLEASE throw your hat in the presidential race... you can beat him and think your husband was the first black president and you can be the first black and woman... power couple extraordinaire." Another said, "Michelle Obama is the only one who'll defeat Trump."
Despite the growing support for Michelle Obama, Biden remains steadfast in his endorsement of Kamala Harris. In his post on X, he stated, "Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats - it's time to come together and beat Trump."
Biden's decision comes after a period of isolation at his Delaware beach house, following a COVID-19 diagnosis. He has been consulting with close confidants and family members about his political future, ultimately deciding to bow out of the race. Senior campaign and White House staff were notified just minutes before his public announcement, signaling the closely held nature of his decision.
The Democratic Party now faces the challenge of finding a new candidate to take on Trump. Kamala Harris, Biden's vice president, has been backed by Biden and is seen as a potential successor. However, her approval ratings have been less than stellar, which may complicate her path to the nomination.
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has also been floated as a potential candidate. Despite his strong voice within the party and his reputation as a talented debater, he has repeatedly stated that he would not run against Harris.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been another name mentioned. Whitmer's decisive re-election and control of both chambers of the state legislature have established her as a prominent figure within the Democratic Party. However, she has definitively stated that she would not run this year if Biden were to step down.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, known for his slogan "Get s*** done," is also seen as a rising star within the party. While he has been positioning himself for a potential 2028 run, he has backed Biden and called for the party to focus on working rather than worrying.
Michelle Obama's potential candidacy remains a topic of significant discussion. An Ipsos poll found that she is the only hypothetical candidate who could definitively defeat Trump in a head-to-head matchup, and she has topped the charts in favorability among registered voters. However, her previous statements suggest that she is unlikely to run. In a discussion with Oprah Winfrey, she remarked, "Politics is hard. And the people who get into it... you've got to want it. It's got to be in your soul, because it is so important. It is not in my soul."
