Like a seasoned CEO, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) handled her party’s succession plan seamlessly — anointing a new generation of Democratic talent at a moment other aging leaders are reluctant to give up power.
Why it matters: President Biden’s 80th birthday on Sunday was a fresh reminder that Democrats do not have anything close to a coherent plan for their presidential hopes.
Driving the news: The percentage of Democratic voters who believe Biden should be the nominee in 2024 ticked up six points after the party’s strong showing in the midterms — but 50% still believe he should be replaced, according to a new USA Today/Ipsos poll.
The big picture: Unlike the House Democratic caucus, which had a popular trio of leaders ready to replace Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), the field of potential Biden successors is wide open.
Yes, but: Biden may learn the wrong lessons from his party’s overperformance. If he runs for re-election, he may not end up facing Trump — but a younger conservative like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who matches up much more favorably.
The other side: Trump has boxed out a new generation of GOP leaders not just by announcing a third presidential bid, but by publicly attacking two of his party’s rising stars on social media — DeSantis and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
The bottom line: Heading off the prospect of a messy civil war in an open Democratic primary — much like the one currently roiling the GOP — may be the best argument for Biden to run again.
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Political analyst David Frum joins Sean Speer on The Hub Canada to discuss the current state of Canadian politics. To host Frum for a speaking opportunity, contact WWSG.
Thought Leader: David Frum
Anderson Cooper: At Least 24 Dead In LA Wildfires
Anderson Cooper brings you highlights from CNN’s premier nightly news program AC360. At least 24 people have died in the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles County, and…
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David Frum: The Sound of Fear on Air
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Josh Kraushaar: It’s late in the game to be ‘pandering’ to different constituency groups
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Josh Kraushaar: Solemn Anniversary
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