Biden had pointed to Harris: Alternative candidates discussed in the Democratic Party against Trump have emerged

Although US President Joe Biden announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris after withdrawing from the presidential race for the November 5 election, all eyes are now on the Democratic Party's convention to be held in Chicago next month.

According to reports in the US press, following Biden's decision to withdraw, names other than Harris have begun to be mentioned for the Democratic Party presidential nomination, which will be determined at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) from August 19-22.

While the prospect of Harris's presidential nomination has increased with the support of former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton, former US Secretary of State John Kerry, and many other prominent Democrats, the names of those discussed as alternatives are also on the agenda for the vice-presidential nomination, which will be determined at the DNC.

Following Biden's voluntary withdrawal from the race, if a new candidate cannot be determined before the convention, according to the Democratic Party bylaws, delegates must vote for a new name at the convention, which will make the final decision regarding the party's nominee.

The person who wins the votes of the majority of the Democratic Party delegates, almost all of whom had pledged their support to Biden, will become the Democrats' new nominee. The person who receives more than half of the approximately 4,000 delegates' votes will be eligible to become the party's presidential candidate.

OBAMA'S SILENCE ON HARRIS DRAWS ATTENTION

Although U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is the strongest candidate for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination at next month's party convention in Chicago, some prominent Democrats are maintaining their silence regarding her candidacy. Leading these figures are former U.S. President Barack Obama and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Beyond Harris, there are many other Democratic figures whose names are being mentioned for the presidential or vice-presidential nomination.

According to a BBC report, prominent names among these include Gretchen Whitmer, Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, Josh Shapiro, JB Pritzker, and Joe Manchin.

GRETCHEN WHITMER

Whitmer, who has been serving as Governor of Michigan for two terms, is among the increasingly popular Democrats. Many experts believe that Whitmer will run for president in 2028.

Whitmer, who campaigned for Biden in the past and has openly expressed her political goals, told the New York Times that she would like to see a Gen X president in 2028, but avoided stating that she could take on that role herself.

Whitmer led a campaign in 2022 that enabled Michigan Democrats to control both the state legislature and the governor's mansion.

Whitmer, who ensured the implementation of a series of policies including abortion rights and gun safety measures in Michigan, stated after Biden withdrew from the race that "I will do everything in my power to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump," but did not explicitly endorse Harris.

GAVIN NEWSOM

Although California Governor Newsom's name appears on lists as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, many Democratic experts believe that Newsom could replace Biden even now.

Newsom has emerged in recent years as a key messenger for the party in conservative media, and he boosted his national profile by debating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last year.

Newsom, who supported Biden before he announced his withdrawal from the race, described the US President as a "selfless" leader following the announcement.

On the other hand, Newsom has not yet made a statement regarding his support for Harris.

PETE BUTTIGIEG

It is rumored that U.S. Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg also has presidential ambitions. Having run for president in 2020, Buttigieg is also seen as one of the Biden administration's best communicators.

Having managed several public crises during his tenure as secretary, Buttigieg stated on his X social media account that Biden has taken his place among the best and most important presidents in U.S. history. However, Buttigieg did not make any comments regarding whether he would support Harris.

JOSH SHAPIRO

Shapiro, who previously served as the attorney general of Pennsylvania, was elected governor of the state in 2022.

Shapiro, who gained national attention for his rapid reconstruction of a collapsed bridge in Philadelphia, saw this success viewed by many as a "political victory," which has placed him among the prominent names for the 2028 presidential nomination.

Following US President Biden's announcement that he is withdrawing from the election race, he described Biden as one of the "most important presidents in modern history," but did not make a statement regarding the process moving forward.

JB PRITZKER

Pritzker, a billionaire businessman and heir to the Hyatt hotel chain, has come to the forefront in recent years by opposing Trump and defending Biden.

Following the live debate, Pritzker described Trump as a "liar" and a "convicted felon with 34 counts who only thinks about himself."

JB Pritzker is among those who support Democratic agenda items such as abortion rights and gun control, similar to Whitmer.

Pritzker has not yet commented on Biden's decision to withdraw from the election race.

JOE MANCHIN

It is reported that West Virginia Senator Manchin, who previously described himself as an "independent Democrat" and left the Democratic Party in May, is also seriously considering a presidential bid.

Jonathan Kott, a former communications advisor to Manchin, told the U.S. press that the West Virginia Senator is "seriously considering" entering the race as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.

Manchin had previously called on Biden to withdraw from the race.

OTHER POTENTIAL CANDIDATES

Following Biden's withdrawal from the race, other individuals who could potentially become candidates include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker.

The name of Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock had also been mentioned among the names that could replace Biden.

A Reuters-Ipsos poll conducted last week revealed that the only person who could defeat the Republican candidate Trump might be Michelle Obama, the wife of former US President Barack Obama. However, Michelle Obama has repeatedly reiterated that she has no desire to run in the presidential election.