"The midterms have served as a proving ground for plenty of breakout Democratic talent that runs the spectrum from unabashedly liberal to battleground tested. Some campaigned in shorts and hoodies while others donned T-shirts emblazoned with the words, 'my body, my decision.' Taken together with some standouts from the 2020 contest, Democrats have a wealth of barrier-breakers in the making in terms of gender, religion, race, and sexual orientation.
The advantages of incumbency are massive, and there's certainly an argument to be made that Democrats stand a better chance of keeping the White House in 2024 if they stick with a president who is already in it. That’s the case that is ultimately Biden’s to make should he choose to do so.
But in 2024, Democrats could face anyone from the thrice-defeated Trump to a fresher face like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Either way, Democrats must live up to being the party of the future. That's what we expect of ourselves, and that's what America needs from us." (our emphasis) -- Kerry Eleved at Daily Kos.
Dems have options in 2024 should President Biden decide not to run (an unlikely event for now) in addition to Vice President Kamala Harris, who's had a challenging two years in office. Two standouts are Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (MI) and Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro (PA) from important swing states. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is routinely mentioned as a future prospect for the Oval Office.
In the legislative branch, the withdrawal of Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD), and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (SC) in favor of Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY), Rep. Katherine Clark (MA), and Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA) speaks to a new generation of Democratic leadership in the House.
(photos: Govs. Whitmer and Shapiro. CNN)
