Washington, DC – The aftermath of the recent presidential debate in the United States continues to reverberate as concerns grow over President Joe Biden's candidacy. The debate performance raised doubts about Biden's suitability as a candidate due to his frequent lapses in coherence and signs of fatigue. Consequently, there is mounting pressure for Biden to step aside and allow another Democratic contender to take his place as the November election draws nearer. Despite some of Biden's potential successors expressing solidarity with him, speculation regarding Biden's political future remains unabated. Before the debate, Biden faced criticism from significant segments of the Democratic base for his unwavering support of Israel's actions in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of over 38,000 Palestinians, leading to allegations of genocide. If a new Democratic candidate emerges, reconciling the divisions caused by the Gaza conflict within the party may become a primary concern, with various demographics, including youth, progressives, Arabs, and Muslims, expressing dissatisfaction over the handling of the situation. Below, Al Jazeera examines the stances of potential Democratic alternatives to Biden concerning the Gaza war.

Vice President Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris Should Biden step down, Kamala Harris is likely to emerge as the leading contender to assume his position at the forefront of the Democratic ticket. A former senator from California, Harris, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, previously ran for president in 2020. While Harris is an advocate for the Biden administration, which has strongly supported the Gaza conflict, she was among the first senior officials to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for immediate peace in the region. Despite reports suggesting that Harris might have advocated for a more decisive stance against the war if given the opportunity, she has publicly affirmed her alignment with Biden's position. Harris has consistently backed Israel throughout her political career, supporting measures that demonstrate her strong ties to the country.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Gretchen Whitmer Following the recent debate, discussions regarding Whitmer's potential as a successor to Biden have surfaced. As the governor of a critical swing state, Whitmer gained national recognition during her confrontations with former President Trump over pandemic policies. In a show of support for Israel, Whitmer condemned acts of terrorism and expressed solidarity with the country, an action that drew criticism from the Arab community in Michigan. Despite expressing empathy for the lives lost in Gaza, Whitmer refrained from labeling the situation as genocide. Her comments regarding the need for a ceasefire in Gaza reflect her cautious approach to the conflict.

California Governor Gavin Newsom

Since overcoming a recall effort in 2021, Newsom has established himself as a prominent figure in Democratic circles. A vocal proponent of Biden's initiatives, Newsom has condemned attacks and expressed unwavering support for Israel, even in the face of escalating casualties in Gaza. He has called for a ceasefire and emphasized the need for humanitarian relief for Gazan civilians while denouncing Hamas's actions. Despite his support for Israel, Newsom has shown willingness to advocate for peace and de-escalation in the conflict.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

Shapiro, despite being less well-known on a national level compared to his counterparts, is viewed as a top contender to potentially succeed Biden. A staunch supporter of Israel, Shapiro has unequivocally defended Israel's right to self-defense, criticizing attempts to equate Israeli actions with Hamas aggression. He has also condemned what he perceives as anti-Semitic sentiments within protests opposing Israel. Shapiro's strong pro-Israel stance sets him apart as a candidate closely aligned with the current administration's policies.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Buttigieg, known for his brief presidential bid and subsequent appointment to Biden's cabinet, has been lauded for his communication skills despite facing challenges during his tenure. Addressing the Gaza conflict, Buttigieg acknowledged the complexity of the situation and expressed empathy for those affected by the violence. While previously a supporter of Israel, Buttigieg has emphasized the need for peace and negotiations to end the bloodshed.