Questions surrounding President Biden's electability in the 2024 presidential race are gaining traction, fueled by remarks from Julian Castro, a former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, and the emergence of primary challengers. Castro, who served as Housing and Urban Development (HUD) secretary under President Obama, expressed concerns about a perceived "softness" around Biden's electability, suggesting some voters feel the president hasn't fully delivered on campaign promises related to voting rights, immigration reform, police reform, and climate change.
Castro and Biden clashed during the 2019 campaign trail, with Castro initially endorsing Senator Elizabeth Warren before eventually supporting Biden after he secured the Democratic nomination in 2020. Adding to the president's challenges, two Democratic primary challengers have emerged: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has garnered double-digit polling numbers, and Marianne Williamson, whose campaign is also gaining momentum.
The Democratic National Committee's (DNC) decision to forgo primary debates this election cycle has shielded Biden from direct confrontation with his challengers. Several House Democrats, when questioned about a potential debate between Biden and Kennedy Jr., dismissed the idea, referring to Kennedy Jr. as a "fringe candidate." Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) expressed admiration for Kennedy Jr.'s father but stated his belief that Biden is the rightful nominee. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) echoed this sentiment, calling Kennedy Jr. a "fringe candidate" and asserting that Biden shouldn't debate such candidates.
In contrast, Williamson has criticized the DNC's decision in a Newsweek op-ed, arguing that it amounts to "candidate suppression" and reflects a distrust of the people's ability to make their own decisions. She contends that the Democratic Party's actions demonstrate a preference for maintaining power over facilitating true democratic discourse. The confluence of these factors – Castro's concerns, the emergence of primary challengers, and the DNC's decision to avoid debates – has intensified scrutiny of Biden's electability as the 2024 election approaches.
