Amidst pressure to drop out, Democrats entertain the extraordinary idea of nominating a Republican, Senator Mitt Romney, to thwart Donald Trump's potential return to power.
President Biden's lackluster debate performance and declining poll numbers have intensified calls for him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Some prominent Democrats, including screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, have even proposed an unconventional solution: nominating Republican Senator Mitt Romney as the Democratic candidate.
Sorkin, the creator of the political drama "West Wing," argues that nominating Romney would demonstrate the Democrats' willingness to prioritize country over party in the face of a "deranged man" like Trump. He envisions a grand gesture where former President Obama endorses his old rival and Romney announces a bipartisan cabinet at the Democratic convention.
Democrats' Desperation: Considering Mitt Romney to Stop Trump
Sorkin believes this move would send a powerful message of unity and sacrifice, echoing the fictional "West Wing" president Jed Bartlet's decision to put his country's well-being above political calculations. He compares Trump to Bartlet's hypothetical opponent, a "dangerous imbecile" who preys on the fears and prejudices of his supporters.
Despite the appeal of Sorkin's proposal, many Democrats remain skeptical. The party's treatment of Romney during his 2012 presidential campaign, including Biden's racially charged "put y'all back in chains" remark, serves as a reminder of the deep political divide between the two parties.
Democrats' Desperation: Considering Mitt Romney to Stop Trump
Furthermore, Romney has been a vocal critic of Trump and has indicated that he would not support him in the race. His own presidential ambitions, which include a brief run in 2012, may also complicate his willingness to accept the Democratic nomination.
Sorkin's suggestion highlights the desperation within the Democratic Party as they grapple with the daunting prospect of a Trump comeback. While the idea of nominating Romney may be unconventional and unlikely to gain widespread support, it reflects the party's growing anxiety about the future of American democracy.
The Democratic National Committee has not officially commented on Sorkin's proposal, and it remains unclear whether any serious consideration is being given to the idea of nominating Romney. However, the mere fact that such a drastic measure is being discussed underscores the challenges facing the Democrats as they navigate the uncertain political landscape ahead.
