Liberal comedian Bill Maher argued that Democrats should find solace in President Joe Biden’s debate performance, arguing that it could lead to younger leaders taking his place.
Democrats have been undergoing much soul searching following Biden’s shaky debate performance on Thursday, which has led many to question his mental acuity. Maher was among these, but in an op-ed for the New York Times, he argued that there was a silver lining to be found in the performance.
Maher gave a scathing review of Biden’s performance, calling it the “debate from hell — worst episode of ‘The Golden Bachelor’ ever.”
“Well, now it’s on the table, where it always should have been,” he said of Biden’s mental acuity.
Despite this, he argued that Democrats could salvage the situation by having an open convention rather than the swearing-in ceremony Biden intended.
“Let’s move the plotline forward. Democrats could not buy, with all of George Soros’s money, the enthusiasm, engagement and interest they would get from having an open convention — and in Chicago no less, famous for Democratic convention drama,” Maher wrote.
Maher’s implication was that Biden would be made to step aside and another, younger candidate installed in his place. His preferred candidate is Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA).
“Watching him make the case against Mr. Trump in the pre-debate interviews and defend Mr. Biden post-debate reminded me: This guy is good at this,” he wrote. “Yes, he has too much California baggage — some of which I don’t love — but the contrast between how he prosecutes the case against Mr. Trump and how Mr. Biden did couldn’t be clearer. He is forceful, is never at a loss for words or stats, never stumbles, is never intimidated. He’s unbullyable, and that’s important against Mr. Trump. People are attracted to what looks like strength, much more than specific policies. And he looks great on TV.”
Whatever the case, Maher stressed that any younger candidate is needed to defeat Trump in November.
Maher’s calls being heeded appear unlikely, however, as Biden has shown no signs of stepping down. His family and team have spent their time since Thursday allaying fears that Biden could or should be replaced.
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Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki cast heavy doubt on Maher’s suggestion last week.
“But there is no question the next few weeks are going to be rocky for the Biden campaign,” Psaki wrote. “There will be ongoing discussions about the possibility of an open convention, and about replacing Biden on the ticket. While that may sound like a good idea on editorial pages, it would be quite challenging to pull off. The public has already chosen Biden, and a brokered convention means party delegates — and not the public — pick the nominee (from a large field of ambitious and talented people) in what would also be a messy and divisive process.”
