Top Democrats urge party: Cease searching for a Biden substitute

In both the White House's internal polls and public polls, President Joe Biden's numbers are at a low point. During political meetings, Mike Donilon, Biden's top political adviser, consistently voices his concerns about these numbers to the president's closest circle, according to sources. Donilon points out that Biden's numbers are similar to where they were during previous midterm elections, causing doubts. However, the president's team took its own strategic approach to the campaigns, resulting in Democrats surpassing expectations.

Though Biden's advisers are dismissive of Rep. Dean Phillips' primary challenge, they are also annoyed by it. This annoyance reveals that some of them share the unease felt by many Democrats about a president whose age is double his approval rating.

Still, Democrats remain convinced that Biden is their best option for the 2024 election. They also insist that the outcome will come down to narrow margins and that if Biden were to lose to former President Donald Trump, the current front-runner in the GOP primary, the country would undergo irreversible changes. None of them are entering the next year with a particularly optimistic outlook.

Now, influential Democrats admit to CNN that they are partially responsible for the lackluster support for Biden. The constant speculation about alternative candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris, undermined individuals who were never truly at risk of being replaced.

"In these uncertain global times, especially on the economic front, when confronted with the former president's leadership during various crises and a dysfunctional House, it is natural for people to feel a certain level of anxiety," stated Democratic Gov. Tim Walz in a recent interview, only days before his fellow Minnesotan, Phillips, announced his presidential campaign. "As Democrats, it's in our nature to be a little apprehensive. We tend to worry and overthink things. We engage in discussions within our circles, but it's time to put a stop to it."

Just moments before, Walz stood on stage at a Center for American Progress event in Washington, lecturing a crowd of Democrats who were engaged but filled with concern. He addressed their desires for a younger and more physically fit president, and emphasized that wishful thinking will not change reality. "Even Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wishes he was more likable! However, we have a responsibility to resist succumbing to such thoughts."

According to Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle in his interview with CNN, he stated, "People should remain silent."

As a Philadelphia-area Democrat who has been a strong supporter of Biden for a long time, Boyle emphasized that he deals with real-world situations. In his opinion, regardless of individuals' attempts to create a more appealing candidate on paper, Biden will undoubtedly secure the nomination.

Boyle and others criticize the dangerous cycle between Democratic leaders and political reporters who fantasize about a potentially captivating election. These doubts have only fueled more doubts. News reports quoting politicians, voters, and operatives questioning whether candidates other than Biden or Harris will emerge have led to an increase in people asking those same questions. Consequently, this has dampened the popularity of the president and vice president, and has slowed down grassroots fundraising. In addition, there are columns circulating, suggesting that one of them should step aside, creating even more anxiety.

Even some individuals who are close to the administration, scoring invitations to the Rose Garden or receptions at the vice president's residence, continue to discuss whether support for Biden is merely a façade. Despite their fears, no one in power is willing to openly address his weaknesses, instead, they discreetly relay their concerns to CNN during these events.

According to US Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a St. Louis-area Democrat, every time Democrats appear on television and acknowledge the president's accomplishments while mentioning his age, they unintentionally fuel the desire for a third-party candidacy among certain individuals. Cleaver believes that this scenario could be disastrous and have long-lasting consequences.

Ben Wikler, the Democratic party chair in Wisconsin, confidently stated that Joe Biden is committed to promoting freedom, democracy, and opportunities. He strongly believes that this agenda helped the Democrats triumph over MAGA Republicans in 2020 and will continue to do so in 2022 and 2024. Wikler emphasizes the importance of devoting time to support President Biden's reelection campaign and Vice President Harris instead of indulging in speculation about alternative ticket options.

The train is out of the station

In the weeks before his announcement, Phillips grappled with a genuine internal conflict. Insiders reveal that he genuinely believed a Democrat should come forward and confront Biden, while also worrying about potentially fueling further skepticism regarding the president.

"Why would someone willingly subject themselves to the criticism, hostility, and sacrifice that come with putting their name ID out there?" he asked reporters on Friday morning in Concord, New Hampshire. Despite the state no longer holding the first primary, with no delegates at stake, state party officials plan to support a write-in campaign for Biden after his campaign formally declined to participate. As for other more popular candidates entering the primary, it seemed like something straight out of "The West Wing" reboot fan fiction, but Biden's advisers effectively neutralized any potential threats by including them on the campaign's advisory board or as top surrogates.

Those potential future candidates express their temporary satisfaction in being at least in that position for now.

"The opportunity is present, and it is time for everyone to seize it. The upcoming election holds immense importance, as it affects our essential rights and the foundation of our democracy," stated Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is frequently mentioned as a potential successor to both Biden and Harris (and was a close contender for Biden's running mate in 2020). This statement was made by Whitmer during a recent Democratic National Committee meeting in St. Louis, aimed at motivating people to support the party's ticket. "We must put an end to hesitation and cease pondering various scenarios. It is a futile use of our energy."

Biden advisers contend with weary frustration that despite facing his lowest point in the primary campaigns of 2019, his core argument of being the strongest candidate to defeat Trump has been proven. With 7 million more votes and 74 additional electoral votes, Biden has surpassed expectations by successfully uniting a coalition of Democrats spanning from progressives to centrists. In the midst of heightened partisanship and information overload, they assert that it's unrealistic to expect any president to achieve poll numbers akin to previous years. The advisers attribute the focus on Biden's age to Democrats who struggle to comprehend Trump's competitiveness, as they attempt to justify polls that show the former president still holding sway. They have ceased their efforts to persuade critics that instances like Biden's trip to Israel demonstrate his continued vigor. Additionally, they dismiss the notion that another Democratic candidate could suddenly widen the gap between Trump and other Republican contenders.

In internal meetings and phone conversations with colleagues involved in Biden's reelection campaign, they consistently reassert their belief that these discussions are merely temporary and will diminish when voters are presented with the option of choosing between Biden and Trump once again.

"When it comes to competency, people often discuss it," Harris commented during her prominent address at the DNC gathering in St. Louis. "I propose that we regularly showcase a side-by-side comparison on a weekly basis."

Despite Phillips' campaign describing his kick-off on Friday as a significant event in a mass text message sent to New Hampshire Democrats, there is widespread skepticism about his chances of making a significant impact in the race against Biden. Boyle informed CNN that due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza and the disorder surrounding the election of the new speaker for House Republicans, he has not had any discussions about Phillips with anyone.

Asked if he was worried about Phillips being a factor even back home in their states primary, Walz laughed.

"No, no," the governor said. "Not going to carry Minnesota."

Circling support for Harris

Leading up to the passing of Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, an outlandish proposition was put forth in a Los Angeles Times column. The proposition suggested that California Governor Gavin Newsom should appoint Kamala Harris to fill Feinstein's seat, thus enabling Joe Biden to select a different running mate. Supporters of the vice president began reaching out to California politicians to express their opposition and advocate against the preposterous and offensive idea.

Other prominent figures have also taken a more assertive approach to defending Harris. Last month, when Nancy Pelosi and Jamie Raskin seemed hesitant in their support for Harris, the reelection campaign took swift action. Campaign reminders were sent out urging Democratic politicians to unequivocally back Harris, discouraging any appearances of uncertainty.

Shortly after Raskin expressed his doubts, House Democratic leadership staff reached out to his office and others, emphasizing the importance of avoiding any unnecessary skepticism. In addition, West Wing aides and a network of informal advisers have increased their social media efforts to highlight positive news about Harris, countering the negative portrayal of her in Washington.

"All these pundits constantly discuss polling. But let's dive into that topic," exclaimed Harris, earning a resounding standing ovation at the DNC meeting in St. Louis. "Our stance on the climate crisis: It enjoys an astonishing 80% popularity. And who wouldn't appreciate reducing prescription drug costs to just $35 a month? Seniors paying only $2,000 a year for their medications deserves a hallelujah. We are determined to alleviate the burden of student loan debt and create 800,000 new manufacturing jobs. These initiatives are undeniably popular."

When CNN asked Raskin earlier this month if it was time to stop doubting Biden's and Harris's positions on the ticket, he confidently answered, "Yes, indeed."

Asked if he was worried about the questions leeching support from Biden, Raskin hesitated.

"That which doesnt kill him," the congressman said hopefully, "makes him stronger."

This headline has been updated.