The conversation around President Joe Biden’s potential re-election bid is intensifying as three former Hawaii governors have publicly urged him to consider not running. This development signals a marked shift with notable voices from within his own party openly expressing concern over his candidacy. According to a report by Hawaii News Now, the trio of governors—Ben Cayetano, Neil Abercrombie, and John Waihee—wrote a letter to the president, suggesting that his recent debate performance may not help to sustain the electoral viability needed to lead the nation.
Reflecting on the debate, former Gov. Cayetano told Hawaii News Now, "When we saw how he performed during the debate, we were devastated," The sentiment echoed across the state as seen by the prominence their call received on the front page of Hawaii's largest newspaper. Voters also voiced their concerns, with some going as far to suggest new potential candidates such as Michelle Obama. Current Hawaii Governor Josh Green, however, maintains his support for Biden, crediting the president for reacting quickly and providing aid during the Maui wildfires last year. According to an interview, Gov. Green remains convinced of Biden's capabilities, saying, "As a physician, I’m always observing people, seeing whether they are strong or weak or ill or healthy; this was a healthy gentleman,"
Meanwhile, a report by KHON2 added further depth to the issue, disclosing the concerns of local organizations like Common Cause Hawaii. Camron Hurt, Program Manager for the nonprofit, expressed skepticism about Biden as the party's best option, questioning, "Why is this our candidate then? Is this the best that our democracy can produce?" The letter from the three former governors, obtained by KHON2, paints a grim picture of what they perceive to be a "frail and seemingly muddled President Biden agonizingly take us to the brink of electoral wipeout."
Democratic Party Chair Derek Turbin provided a contrasting perspective, highlighting Biden's sound performance beyond what the public debate might have revealed. "He was able to see a sharp, concise President Biden– a much different person than what I think a lot of people saw in the debate." Turbin told KHON2. Should Biden step down before the convention, an open convention would potentially see Vice President Kamala Harris as the most likely successor. However, a reshuffle in candidate lineup at this stage could, as Hurt explains, make an already complex situation "more messy."
