June 26, 2024 – Atlanta, Georgia – New revelations from a forthcoming book claim that top Democrats discreetly strategized for a potential withdrawal of President Joe Biden from the 2024 presidential race. The authors, Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, report that discussions began as early as 2023 amid rising concerns over Biden’s age and health.
The book, titled “Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House,” suggests Biden’s aides, particularly from Vice President Kamala Harris‘s team, were worried that he might not be able to serve his term. According to two sources cited by Allen and Parnes, Harris’s communications director, Jamal Simmons, spearheaded plans that even included creating a ‘death-pool roster’ of judges who could quickly swear Harris in if needed.
“We had to prepare for unique circumstances – we’re talking about an 80-plus-year-old running for office,” the authors quoted an unnamed official as saying. This reflects the deep anxieties within the Democratic National Committee as they faced the grim possibility of Biden either stepping down or being unable to complete his term.
The groundwork for such contingency plans heightened leading up to Biden’s lackluster debate performance on June 27 against former President Donald Trump, marking a disastrous moment in the race. The debate showcased Biden’s struggles, prompting further discussion among party insiders about his fitness to run.
Reports from the book also indicate that despite Biden’s repeated assertions about his readiness for the campaign trail, Democratic insiders were increasingly skeptical. The conversations included various scenarios, from Biden withdrawing early to health issues that could prevent him from campaigning effectively.
In a particularly revealing section, Allen and Parnes chronicled Harris’s growing frustration over the inability to distance herself from Biden’s sinking popularity. At a donor event hosted by then-New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Biden reportedly required fluorescent tape on the floor to guide him and needed an autocue for “unscripted” remarks, indicating a troubling decline in his public demeanor.
“He didn’t look well. He didn’t sound vital,” the authors described, summing up Biden’s appearance and the growing concern among Democrats.
Even former President Barack Obama weighed in, prompting a dramatic exchange with Biden about his future in the race. “What’s your path?” Obama allegedly asked, prompting Biden to reflect critically on his position.
While some Democrats have expressed concerns over the prospect of Kamala Harris stepping into the primary role, the narrative remains focused on Biden’s situation. A palpable tension exists, with significant factions within the party urging for change as the 2024 election looms.
The release of “Fight” on April 1 is expected to stir significant discussions within the political community, revealing the undercurrents of anxiety and strategy at work leading up to one of the most critical elections in recent U.S. history.
