As the GOP continues to battle over who will be its candidate in the race for the White House, the stage is seemingly set for the Democrats. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, despite multiple polls placing their favorability rating in the 30s are likely to be the nominees and run for reelection. After all, it would be quite uncommon for the sitting president not to see a second term. However, just because it is common practice, might not mean that is the best course of action to seek.

Biden is realistically the only choice in 2024 for the Democratic party. Some wish things had gone differently in 2020, such as a (Bernie Sanders victory), but the reality of the situation is that Biden won in 2020, and he proved he could defeat Trump. The two fringe challengers he faces, Marianne Williamson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have zero chance of replacing him on the ticket. Williamson has great policies and many have warmed up to her since 2020, but she is very similar to Sanders policy-wise.

Kennedy is a crackpot anti-vax conspiracy theorist whose victory would be a nightmare scenario. But I would be surprised if either got 5% of the vote. The economy has been steadily recovering under Biden, and he’s been more progressive on climate and labor than most people expected. There are not many scenarios, besides something with his health, where he is not going to be the nominee. And that is OK. Most would rather have four more years of Uncle Joe than let Trump tear down our institutions.

The more interesting thing for me is the VP spot - Kamala Harris just is not it. But unless something crazy happens, Biden-Harris is going to be the ticket. 

The Democrats best option is to stick with what they know, rather than try for a new change even if that person could be a stronger challenger for Trump or DeSantis. With indictments left and right and classified documents on his toilets, some have soured on Trump but it is still incredibly likely he will be their nominee. Also being the incumbent just gives Biden the better chance regardless of anything else.

It causes stress and anxiety to think that we will most likely see a repeat of the 2020 Trump versus Biden showdown, but the Democrats can use that. As mentioned at the top, the GOP is fractured. You may think that the party will blindly follow Trump once again, but the recent debates have shown that there are more Republican candidates that could split the ballot. 

Unity is what can clinch another victory for the Democrats. No one will say that Biden has had a flawless first term in office; no president in history ever has. However, America needs a candidate who, if nothing else, will uphold the democratic processes that make this country what it is. Looking at you Jan. 6.

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