Taylor Swift, Michelle Obama Eyed as Democratic Election Saviors: Report
Joe Biden reiterated his unwavering commitment to remain in the presidential race, brushing off any suggestions to step down.
However, Vanity Fair reported that two democrats are hatching a plan involving cultural icons like Taylor Swift and Michelle Obama to revitalize the Democratic Party's chances against Donald Trump in November.
Georgetown law professor Rosa Brooks and venture capitalist Ted Dintersmith have circulated a memo outlining a bold new approach. The proposal calls for Biden to step down as the nominee within the week, endorsing a "blitz primary" with the backing of Vice President Kamala Harris.
This primary would allow candidates a few days to declare their intentions, followed by a rapid campaign in which six candidates compete positively leading up to the convention.
Biden’s Staunch Refusal to Exit Race
Biden has shown no signs of wavering from his campaign. A spokesperson pointed to Biden's recent comments in Wisconsin, where he firmly stated his intention to stay in the race and face Trump.
"I'm not letting one 90-minute debate wipe out three and a half years of work. I'm staying in the race, and I will beat Donald Trump," Biden said last week.
Despite Biden’s determination, Brooks and Dintersmith believe their plan could captivate the nation, generate significant donations, and position Biden as a "modern-day George Washington."
Plan Involves High-Profile Cultural Icons
The memo proposes that cultural icons like Swift, Obama, and Oprah engage with the candidates each week leading up to the convention to energize voters.
The nominee would be chosen by delegates using ranked-choice voting, and the announcement would be made on the third day of the Democratic National Convention. Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton would attend the announcement.
However, the plan faces significant hurdles. Key Democratic constituencies might be displeased that Harris isn't automatically made the nominee. Additionally, maintaining a "positive-only" campaign in a competitive race could prove challenging.
There’s also no certainty that Swift or Michelle Obama would participate—Swift’s spokesperson did not respond to Vanity Fair's request for comment, and Obama’s involvement remains speculative.
Concerns Over Biden’s Health
The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Dr. Kevin Cannard, an expert on Parkinson’s disease from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, visited the White House eight times over the past year, including meetings with Biden's physician. The White House commented that specialists frequently visit to treat military personnel on the grounds.
Following Biden's annual physical in February, White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor stated that Biden had an “extremely detailed neurologic exam” showing no signs of Parkinson’s or other central neurological disorders. The meetings with Cannard could be unrelated to Biden’s health, but the frequent visits have nonetheless raised questions.
Democrats Weigh New Strategy Amid Challenges
Brooks and Dintersmith argue that their strategy would mesmerize the nation and secure a victory for the Democratic Party. They write that Democrats face a choice between “shameful, avoidable democracy-ending defeat” and making this “Our Finest Hour.”
A critical aspect of their plan involves Biden stepping down voluntarily, a scenario that seems unlikely given his recent statements. The memo's authors believe the plan would make the Democratic convention a spectacle that could reinvigorate the party’s base and draw enormous media attention.
Key Figures Remain Silent or Noncommittal
The proposed strategy centrally involves high-profile figures like Taylor Swift and Michelle Obama. However, their participation is far from guaranteed. Swift’s representatives did not comment, and the likelihood of Michelle Obama engaging with candidates, though more plausible than her running, remains uncertain.
The plan’s ambitious nature and reliance on cultural icons not only highlight the Democrats' search for innovative solutions but also underscore the challenges they face in securing a win against Trump.
Conclusion
Biden remains firm in his commitment to stay in the presidential race despite a bold proposal from two Democrats for a new strategy involving Taylor Swift and Michelle Obama. The plan faces numerous challenges, including Biden's resoluteness, potential discontent among key constituencies, and the uncertainty of cultural icons' involvement. With Biden's health also under scrutiny, the Democratic Party continues to navigate a complex and evolving political landscape.