Why Democrats Should Ask Biden to Step Down
Then open their primaries in all 50 states to Independent voters
This essay expands on a Letter to the Editor published yesterday by the Washington Post.
Although I’m actively engaged in politics (as an advocate for election reforms and a member of the Forward Party), I’m already tired of daily news about the 2024 Presidential election. I’ll bet you are, too. The prospect of a Biden/Trump rematch is not just boring; it indicates that our system no longer serves one of its most important functions.
We can do so much better. Unfortunately, that is not our choice; it’s up to the people who run two political parties. We all know that they care about winning above all else, and apparently, each side thinks they will have the upper hand if they stand pat with their 2020 nominee.
The thing is, that logic only works if a) there is no serious “third party” challenger and b) turnout is the same as it was in 2020. They may be wrong on both counts, because No Labels poses a credible threat to make it a three-way race, and because voters may decide to stay home this time around.
We are led to believe that because the Presidential race was close, it was competitive. But this claim ignores the fact that two political parties dictate the rules of the game (e.g., ballot access, district composition, voter registration and participation in primaries, allocation of electoral votes, etc.). They seem able to agree on just one thing — protecting our so-called two party system.
If you are inclined to blame or judge voters for sitting on the sidelines, consider the fact that both parties have had several years to come up with a positive case to replace the fear-based appeal (to keep their evil opponent out of the White House).
By systematically catering to their “base” of ideologically committed voters and demonizing the other side, both parties have managed to create significant divisions within. Moderates in either party are held hostage by their own leaders because a slim majority yields winner-take-all spoils.
In the past year, Senate Democrats and House Republicans have seen this strategy begin to unravel, as Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) declared her independence and Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) sweated out 15 votes to win his post. It’s only getting worse, as Joe Manchin (D-WV) is rumored to be considering a farewell to his party and the Speaker has been threatened with a “motion to vacate” him from that position.
We don’t know how either party will deal with these events, should they occur. But my guess is that they will do what party animals always do — tighten their grip on power by catering to those who run the party. It should go without saying, but that means the people who fund campaigns.
What about voters? The ugly truth is that we’re no more important to the parties than we are to Google and Facebook. We’re not customers because we don’t pay for their services. We’re actually the product; they sell our clicks and information to advertisers who want our consumer dollars. Similarly, political parties are brands that offer investors access to our tax dollars. Their power stems from control of the supply of votes. An even playing field would dilute the value of their brand.
Voters may be worth less than consumers. Businesses need market share but they also care about the size of the market, since more eyeballs mean more clicks and higher revenue. However, winning an election usually only requires a plurality — more votes than anyone else. Fewer vote totals could mean more affordable campaigns. Moreover, in the current environment, the most likely voters are already decided.
New voters introduce uncertainty. No wonder the two major parties focus on scare tactics and guilt trips to encourage turnout by people supposedly committed to their tribe (by registration) and susceptible to such pressure. But relying on turnout of loyal supporters is very risky when half of the voters are not loyal to anyone.
President Biden will not be running from a position of strength, regardless of what happens in the next 14 months. Approval ratings are low, and so is enthusiasm for his candidacy. It’s a tough spot, for sure. Joe is no quitter, and his party does not want to appear ungrateful. However, this situation calls for bold action, not blind adherence to tradition. The party needs to thank him for stepping up when they needed him and ask him to step aside now, so they can build what’s needed for their future.
That may not be enough, not only because it is not obvious who should run instead, but because millions of us who will be voting in the general election are available to assist. Why not start that conversation in the primaries instead of waiting to see if we will support their choice?
Independents represent a lot of votes. Yet most states (27) close their primaries to voters who are not registered members. Democrats in nine of those states allow Independents to participate. Republicans have shown no such interest. A nudge from the Democratic National Committee might persuade the other 14 state parties to join an outreach campaign.
This would be a bold move for Democrats. It would turn this race from one based on fear and boredom to one of hope and excitement. It would also position the party as truly democratic and demonstrate a capacity for change that is not yet apparent.
