In the latest episode of his podcast, Ezra Klein makes a strong case titled “Democrats Have a Better Option Than Biden.” This departure from the usual interview format is a 25-minute monologue where Klein surprisingly begins by praising President Biden’s performance, describing him as an excellent leader who has brought wisdom and unity to the Democratic Party.
Klein acknowledges Biden’s success in governing as a unifier and coalition builder, highlighting his efforts to integrate progressive ideas into his administration. He emphasizes Biden’s ability to hold together a diverse Democratic Party, which could have easily splintered.
However, despite Biden’s accomplishments, Klein argues that the central question of the 2024 campaign is not about Biden’s capability as president but about his ability to run for president. He points out Biden’s age-related challenges, noting that his recent speeches lack the energy and charisma he exhibited in 2019.
Klein criticizes the Biden campaign’s strategy of limiting his public appearances and interviews, suggesting it reflects an awareness of his limitations as a candidate. He believes that Biden’s declining energy and campaign performance could have a significant impact on his re-election prospects.
While Klein acknowledges Biden’s achievements, he argues that the presidency is also about performance and public perception. He suggests that even if Biden is capable of leading, he may not appear that way to voters, which could affect his approval ratings and re-election chances.
Despite anticipating backlash from Democrats, Klein believes it is essential to address Biden’s candidacy openly. He dismisses arguments that criticize such discussions as ageism, arguing that voters’ concerns about Biden’s age are legitimate and evident in polls.
Klein concludes by proposing an open convention where delegates can choose an alternative candidate if they believe Biden is not the best choice. He lists several potential candidates within the Democratic Party who could present themselves as alternatives.
Overall, Klein’s analysis raises important questions about Biden’s candidacy and highlights the need for Democrats to consider alternatives to ensure victory in the 2024 election.
