Dems Change Their Tune About Biden For President

Update: 2024-07-03

Digest

The episode discusses the growing concerns within the Democratic Party regarding President Biden's ability to win the upcoming election. Several Democratic lawmakers, including Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Congressman Mike Quigley, have expressed their worries about Biden's age and debate performance, suggesting he might be a liability for down-ballot candidates. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi acknowledges divisions among party donors about Biden's candidacy, while Congressman Jim Clyburn, a key figure in Biden's 2020 campaign, states he would support Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden were to drop out. The episode also explores the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions, particularly the one granting Trump broad immunity, on the political landscape and the potential consequences for down-ballot races. The episode concludes with a discussion about the potential alternative candidates for the Democratic nomination, including Gretchen Whitmer and Kamala Harris, and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing political environment.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast and its hosts, Priyanka Arabindi and Juanita Tolliver. They begin by discussing the recent news about South Dakota's governor, Kristi Noem, and third-party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was photographed posing with what appears to be a barbecued dog.

00:00:31

Biden's Candidacy Under Scrutiny

This Chapter delves into the growing concerns within the Democratic Party regarding President Biden's ability to win the upcoming election. Several Democratic lawmakers, including Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Congressman Mike Quigley, have expressed their worries about Biden's age and debate performance, suggesting he might be a liability for down-ballot candidates. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi acknowledges divisions among party donors about Biden's candidacy, while Congressman Jim Clyburn, a key figure in Biden's 2020 campaign, states he would support Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden were to drop out.

00:12:24

Trump's Sentencing Delayed and Giuliani Disbarred

This Chapter covers the latest developments in the legal cases involving former President Donald Trump and his former attorney, Rudy Giuliani. Judge Juan Mosham, who presided over Trump's hush money trial, has delayed the former president's sentencing until September, citing the Supreme Court's decision granting Trump broad immunity. Meanwhile, Rudy Giuliani has been disbarred in New York for his involvement in Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

00:14:45

Headlines and Closing

This Chapter covers various news headlines, including President Biden's proposal for a new rule to protect workers from excessive heat, the FDA's approval of a new drug for Alzheimer's patients, and a discussion about the changing definition of remixes in music. The episode concludes with a reminder to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with friends.

Keywords

Joe Biden

Joe Biden is the 46th and current president of the United States. He is a member of the Democratic Party and previously served as the 47th vice president under President Barack Obama. Biden's presidency has been marked by a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He is seeking re-election in 2024.

Donald Trump

Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Trump is a controversial figure, known for his outspoken views and his business dealings. He is a member of the Republican Party and is currently running for president in 2024.

Democratic Party

The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-left on the political spectrum. The Democratic Party's platform is based on social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection. The party's current leader is President Joe Biden.

Republican Party

The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-right on the political spectrum. The Republican Party's platform is based on limited government, individual liberty, and free markets. The party's current leader is former President Donald Trump.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest federal court in the country. It is composed of nine justices, who are appointed for life by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The Supreme Court has the power to review laws passed by Congress and the president, and to strike down laws that it deems unconstitutional. The Supreme Court's decisions have a profound impact on American society, and its rulings are often highly controversial.

2024 Presidential Election

The 2024 United States presidential election is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The election will determine the 47th president of the United States. The current president, Joe Biden, is seeking re-election. The Republican Party's nominee is former President Donald Trump. The election is expected to be highly contested, with a number of other candidates also vying for the presidency.

Kamala Harris

Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician serving as the 49th and current vice president of the United States since 2021. She is a member of the Democratic Party and previously served as the junior United States senator from California from 2017 to 2021. Harris is the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to hold the office of vice president.

Gretchen Whitmer

Gretchen Elaine Whitmer is an American politician serving as the 49th governor of Michigan since 2019. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Whitmer previously served as the Michigan Senate Minority Leader from 2011 to 2015. She is considered a potential candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024.

Lloyd Doggett

Lloyd Doggett is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 37th congressional district since 1995. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Doggett is known for his progressive views and his advocacy for social justice and economic equality. He is a vocal critic of President Biden's handling of the economy and has called for Biden to step down from the presidential race.

Mike Quigley

Mike Quigley is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 5th congressional district since 2009. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Quigley is known for his moderate views and his focus on foreign policy and national security. He has expressed concerns about President Biden's age and debate performance and has suggested that Biden might be a liability for down-ballot candidates.

Q&A

What are the main concerns within the Democratic Party regarding President Biden's candidacy?
The Democratic Party is facing concerns about President Biden's age and his recent debate performance, which some believe could negatively impact down-ballot candidates and potentially hinder his chances of winning the election.
Who are some of the Democratic lawmakers who have expressed concerns about Biden's candidacy?
Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Congressman Mike Quigley, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have all publicly expressed concerns about Biden's ability to win the election, with Doggett even calling for Biden to step down from the race.
What is the impact of the recent Supreme Court decisions on the political landscape?
The Supreme Court's decisions, particularly the one granting Trump broad immunity, have significantly impacted the political landscape, potentially hindering legal consequences for Trump's past behavior and making it more difficult to prevent his participation in the election.
What are some of the potential alternative candidates for the Democratic nomination?
Gretchen Whitmer, the governor of Michigan, and Vice President Kamala Harris are among the potential alternative candidates being discussed within the Democratic Party. However, both face challenges in a rapidly changing political environment.
What are the risks to down-ballot races if Biden remains the Democratic nominee?
Biden's performance at the top of the ticket could negatively impact down-ballot races, potentially leading to lower voter turnout among typical Democratic voters and making it more difficult for Democrats to win other races.
What is the significance of the delayed sentencing hearing for Donald Trump?
The delay in Trump's sentencing hearing until September, less than two months before the election, highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump and the potential impact on the election.
What is the significance of Rudy Giuliani's disbarment in New York?
Giuliani's disbarment in New York, along with potential disbarment in Washington D.C. and ongoing federal charges, underscores the legal consequences facing those involved in Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
What is the impact of the FDA's approval of a new drug for Alzheimer's patients?
The FDA's approval of a new drug for Alzheimer's patients is a significant development, offering hope for patients and their families and highlighting the ongoing progress in treating this devastating disease.
What is the overall message of the episode regarding the Democratic Party's future?
The episode suggests that the Democratic Party is facing a critical juncture, with the potential for a significant shift in leadership and strategy as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming election.
What is the episode's message about the importance of voter engagement?
The episode emphasizes the importance of voter engagement and the need for the Democratic Party to be more responsive to the desires of actual voters in order to navigate the current political landscape.

Show Notes

We may be starting to see a seismic shift in how the Democratic Party publicly talks about whether President Joe Biden should remain the party’s presumptive nominee for president. On Tuesday, Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett became the first sitting Democratic lawmaker to call for Biden to leave the race after his devastating debate performance last week. Longtime Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley and Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Peter Welch of Vermont were also among those voicing harsh criticism of the president and his campaign. Most notably, South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn said he would support Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden dropped out of the race. Liz Bruenig, staff writer at The Atlantic, explains how the stakes of the race have changed in recent days.

And in headlines: New York Justice Juan Merchan has delayed former President Donald Trump’s sentencing until September in the wake of the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani lost his license to practice law in the state, and President Biden proposed a new rule on Tuesday to protect around 35 million people from excessive heat in their workplaces.

Show Notes: