Joe Biden was the figure of political stability that the American voters trusted in 2020 to return power to the Democratic Party after Trump. Biden is the oldest serving US president, and many party members and donors are questioning whether he will be too old at 82 to stand again in 2024. Vice president Kamala Harris is the obvious choice as his successor, but so far has remained relatively muted. Other Democrats now see an opportunity to step forward, and young pretender, Pete Buttigieg, is starting to shine as a serious presidential contender. We examine the odds for the next Democratic presidential nomination.
Biden, Harris Or Buttigieg?
President Biden has been a great transitional figure for the Democrats. He defeated Trump and returned stability to American politics. So, in 2024 at the age of 82, does he run again or depart on a high?
The odds suggest that Kamala Harris would be a likely replacement for Biden. Because of her immigrant background and multiple ethnic origins, experience at all levels of government, she identifies with various voters. And, as she’s only 57, she will be able to cope with the demands of holding office.
However, at 39 years old, Pete Buttigieg could appeal even more to younger voters. Biden showed his trust in Buttigieg’s abilities by appointing him as Transportation Secretary. Also, this experience in dealing with the inner workings of the White House will be invaluable for his career path. Therefore, he could be the future face of the Democrats and enter the campaign race for the 2024 Presidential election.
Kamala Harris: Vice President
When Biden introduced Kamala Harris as his running mate, he said she would inspire future generations “especially black and brown little girls, who so often feel overlooked and undervalued.” To start with, this was true, but as the months have progressed, the vice president’s profile has steadily diminished. With a tough agenda of immigration, voting rights, and police reforms, Kamala Harris has struggled to notch up political gains. Voters had high expectations, but some core constituencies are now questioning what Harris is achieving or even what she is doing. Many in the Vice President’s office are unhappy, as they feel that her political powers have been constrained.
Pete Buttigieg: Transportation Secretary
On November 5, the House of Representatives passed a five-year, $1.75 trillion bill to repair and upgrade America’s aging infrastructure. As Transportation Secretary, Buttigieg is now overseeing and implementing some of the largest US investments in roads, rail lines, and other transportation networks. His department will allocate grants to projects that reduce greenhouse gases, increase safety, boost job creation and advance racial equity. “We’ve never had a transportation secretary who’s had that much authority before,” said Jeff Davis, an analyst for Eno Center for Transportation, at a White House briefing.
Buttigieg’s new position has elevated his profile on a national level. From being a mayor of South Bend, Indiana, with a population of 101,000, he is now in charge of a department with 55,000 employees. With his presidential ambitions, it offers an opportunity to forge relationships with politicians, who could be helpful at a later date. It puts him in a powerful position, with the ability to create jobs on a massive scale across the states. Because he is a good communicator, Buttigieg could soon be one of the best-known political faces of the administration.
Joe Biden says he intends to run for re-election in 2024. Some Democrats have doubts because of his age, declining popularity, and prospects for the 2022 midterms. The Democratic Party, corporate sponsors, and donors are looking for the next generation of leaders. Vice president Kamala Harris should be Biden’s natural successor, as she is more experienced than other candidates. However, Pete Buttigieg is now in a position to boost his profile and his Democrat candidate odds at online sportsbooks.
View the latest odds for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Philip Carlson is a gambling industry analyst based in NYC. He covers political global political betting markets and sports-betting for Vegas-odds.com
