Is It Time for a New Democratic Nominee? New York Times Columnists Weigh In
The 2024 presidential election is heating up, with questions swirling around President Biden’s candidacy amidst concerns about his age and potential for a successful re-election campaign. To gauge the sentiment within the Democratic Party, the New York Times Opinion section asked six of its columnists to share their thoughts on who they believe should be the Democratic nominee. From Vice President Kamala Harris to up-and-coming governors like Wes Moore and Josh Shapiro, the responses highlight a range of perspectives on the best way for the Democrats to approach the 2024 election.
Key Takeaways:
- The need to defeat Donald Trump: A recurring theme throughout the responses is the urgency of preventing Donald Trump from winning the presidency again. Several columnists argue that any potential nominee needs to be focused on this primary goal.
- A shift towards moderates: While some columnists advocate for familiar faces like Harris who can effectively counter Trump’s rhetoric, others argue for candidates with a more moderate approach, such as Joe Manchin or Josh Shapiro, who could appeal to a wider range of voters.
- New faces and fresh perspectives: Several columnists express a desire for younger candidates like Gretchen Whitmer and Wes Moore who could bring fresh energy and perspectives to the race.
- Concerns about a brokered convention: The potential for a brokered convention, where delegates rather than voters choose the nominee, raises anxieties about undermining democratic processes and potentially weakening the Democratic Party’s overall standing.
Lydia Polgreen argues that Vice President Kamala Harris would be the ideal candidate, highlighting her strength in confronting "bullies" like Trump and her eloquence on crucial issues like abortion rights. Polgreen believes Harris’s experience as a prosecutor gives her the necessary tools to dismantle Trump’s falsehoods and effectively defend Democratic values.
Nicholas Kristof, meanwhile, champions Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. He emphasizes her proven ability to win over voters in key swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Kristof believes her "pragmatism" and "fresh face" on the national scene could help energize voters and present a powerful counterpoint to Trump’s rhetoric.
Ross Douthat suggests Senator Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat from West Virginia, as the best option to defeat Trump. He argues that Manchin’s record of working across the aisle and his ability to win elections in a state that has shifted significantly toward Republicans demonstrates his capacity to attract centrist voters. Douthat acknowledges, however, that Manchin’s moderate stance might alienate some within the Democratic base.
Pamela Paul, leaning on her expertise as a former editor of The Book Review, proposes Maryland Governor Wes Moore. She highlights his diverse range of experience, including military service, work in the private sector, and authoring five books. Paul believes Moore’s relative youth and ability to appeal to a broad range of voters could revitalize the Democratic Party and attract new voters.
David French, a conservative who previously identified as a Republican, advocates for Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. He sees Shapiro’s moderate ideology and measured temperament as crucial assets in effectively dismantling Trump’s rhetoric. French also highlights the importance of Shapiro’s location in a key swing state and his ability to connect with a wider range of voters.
Charles Blow, however, pushes back against the calls for a new nominee, arguing that President Biden remains the best option to defeat Trump. He emphasizes the lack of evidence supporting the idea that a newer candidate would be more successful and expresses concerns about the potential for a brokered convention to undermine the democratic process. Blow believes that the focus should be on defeating Trump while recognizing the potential for future generations of Democratic leaders to emerge.
The debate over the Democratic nomination in 2024 is far from settled. The responses from these New York Times columnists reflect the complexities of navigating a deeply polarized political landscape and the need to find the right candidate to address the pressing challenges facing the nation. While some see an opportunity to invigorate the party with new faces and perspectives, others prioritize achieving a clear victory over Trump, even if that means sticking with the current nominee. The coming months will inevitably bring further discussion and debate as the Democratic Party searches for the best path forward.
