Democrats name Joe Biden as official challenger to President Trump
On Tuesday, USA's Democratic Party named former Vice President Joe Biden as the official candidate for the 2020 Presidential Elections, to take on incumbent President Donald Trump this November. Biden, 77, had sought the presidential candidacy twice before but failed. The announcement was made on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which was virtually attended by many heavyweights. Here's more.
At DNC, young Democrats were given a chance to shine
The second day of DNC was thronged by the aging and white members of the party. However, there were a few young faces, far and wide. Former Legislator Stacey Abrams from Georgia and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York were among the "young guns" who were chosen to speak at the mega event, that happened virtually due to coronavirus.
Ex-President Bill Clinton called out Trump
Further, ex-President Bill Clinton slammed Trump saying, "He says we're leading the world. Well, we are the only major industrial economy to have its unemployment rate triple. At a time like this, the Oval Office should be a command center. Instead, it's a storm center."
Many Republicans are supporting Biden, including former Trump aides
Interestingly, several Republicans, including former Ohio Governor John Kasich and Trump's former aide, Anthony Scaramucci, have publicly endorsed Biden. Apart from these two, Barack Obama-era Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and Trump's former Homeland Security Chief Miles Taylor are backing Biden. Many of them have not minced words against Trump, with Scaramucci terming him "crazy."
Former Republican Secretary of State Colin Powell delivered an address
Another known politician who endorsed Biden was Republican Colin Powell, Secretary of State during George W. Bush's administration. In a rousing address, he said, "With Joe Biden in the White House, you will never doubt that he will stand with our friends and stand up to our adversaries—never the other way around." Wife of late GOP Senator John McCain, Cindy McCain, was also present.
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris will accept nomination soon
Last week, Biden selected California Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate. Harris, born to an Indian mother and Jamaican father, will formally accept her nomination tomorrow. By choosing her, Biden has embraced an erstwhile adversary.
Biden is riding on anti-incumbency. Will that be enough?
Most of Biden's support stems from anti-Trump sentiment rather than confidence in his own abilities. Biden isn't said to inspire much confidence in general, especially among younger and minority voters who are often the tide-turners in an election. This could hurt his chances since fence-sitting voters would be indecisive about whom to vote for. However, a lot can change from now till November.
