Lindsey Graham claims Biden dropping out would make 2024 election ‘dramatically different race’ for Trump
WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Lindsey Graham (R-SC) insisted that President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 race for the White House would "dramatically" change the dynamics of the contest for presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump, during his appearance of the Sunday, July 7, episode of 'Face the Nation' on CBS.
Since the lackluster performance of the incumbent in the CNN presidential debate on June 27, voices have grown across the aisle questioning his mental acuity to continue in the country's top office.
However, the President has been adamant about continuing his reelection campaign, and expressed in a recent interview with George Stephanopoulos that he would only quit "if the Lord Almighty comes down and tells me to do that."
Lindsey Graham's comments about Joe Biden stepping down
In spite of the incumbent's repeated assurances of sticking throughout the race, Graham believed that "before this is all said and done, that President Biden most likely will be replaced."
"If Biden steps down, Harris is going to have to pick somebody to help her," speculated the Senator. "If she does become the nominee, this is a dramatically different race than it is right now today. I hope people are thinking about that on our side."
In the event of Biden stepping down, Vice President Kamala Harris, as a natural successor, is expected to lead the ticket. She would then have to select another Democrat as her running mate for 2024.
Graham noted that in that scenario, whoever is picked up as vice presidential candidate by both parties has the potential to considerably impact the general election in November.
Lindsey Graham takes on Donald Trump's VP pick
"If I were President Trump, I would make sure I pick somebody that could add value in 2024," Graham told CBS News host Robert Costa on Sunday.
The former President has teased announcing his running mate for weeks and is expected to make the big reveal at or near the Republican National Convention later in July.
Graham has reportedly backed fellow South Carolina Sen Tim Scott for the job, claiming that he could extend the map. But he also noted three other GOP members who are under consideration- North Dakota Gov Doug Burgum, Sens Marco Rubio of Florida and JD Vance of Ohio.
According to the senator, Virginia Gov Glenn Youngkin was being overlooked in the race as he said "if we win Virginia, we win."
"So I'm hoping President Trump is looking for a VP pick that not only can carry on the American First agenda after he leaves, but also win in 2024," he added.
