While oddsmakers will tell you that a Biden vs. Trump rematch is the most likely scenario in 2024, it’s clear that both the Democratic and Republican parties are exploring alternatives.
On the Republican side, Trump is considering declaring his candidacy unusually early in order to box out potential rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis’ star is rising in the GOP, and he’s expected to seize the opportunity to run for President. He’s currently trailing Trump by more than 25 points in early primary polls, but he’s a formidable opponent who could certainly give Trump a run for his money if he decides to challenge him.
For Democrats, Biden’s re-election prospects are looking worse by the day, as his performance and polling numbers continue to flounder. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently released a campaign ad which, oddly, aired in DeSantis’ home state of Florida: a clear signal that he’s mulling a potential run for the White House.
It’s highly unlikely that Newsom would challenge Biden in a primary if Biden decides to run again, but it’s very possible that his ad was designed to persuade Democratic donors and the White House itself that he - not Biden - is his party’s best bet in 2024. If he can make his case to party insiders before the midterms, they might convince Biden to step down and instead back Newsom for the nomination.
Writer, poet, novelist, and friend of the show Anis Shivani joins us once again to discuss some of these key developments in the early phases of the 2024 Presidential campaign, as well as the intriguing Pennsylvania Senate contest between John Fetterman and Dr. Oz.
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Will 2024 Be Biden vs. Trump or Newsom vs. DeSantis? - w/ Anis Shivani