Senator Lindsey Graham says if Biden withdraws, “it will be a dramatically different race” for Trump

WASHINGTON — Senator Lindsey Graham said on Sunday that if President Biden drops out amid concerns about 2024 presidential run His qualifications for office after a Destructive debate Against former President Trump, a Democratic replacement would “dramatically” change the dynamics of the contest.

The president has been adamant he will stay in the race. But the South Carolina Republican, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, said on “Face the Nation” Sunday that he believes “President Biden will most likely be replaced before this is all said and done.”

Graham speculated that “if Biden steps down, Harris will have to choose someone to help her.” “If she becomes the nominee, it will be a dramatically different race than it is today. I hope people on our side are thinking about that.”

If Mr. Biden steps aside, attention will almost certainly turn to Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the natural successor to lead the ticket, though that is not guaranteed. If she does lead the ticket, she will have to select another Democrat as her running mate. Graham made clear that in that scenario, whoever is chosen as vice president by both parties could have a major impact on the November election.

“If I were President Trump, I would pick someone who could add value in 2024,” Graham said.

The former president has been considering announcing his upcoming running mate for several weeks, and is expected to unveil his pick at or around the Republican National Convention later this month. Graham has expressed support for his fellow South Carolina senator, Tim Scott, for the position, saying he could help expand the map.

But Graham pointed out that in addition to Scott, three other Republicans are being talked about for the position – North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Ohio’s J.D. Vance. And he said one person who is not being talked about but “should be” is Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, adding that “if we win Virginia, we win.”

“So I’m hopeful that President Trump is looking for a vice president who can not only carry forward his American First agenda after he’s gone, but also win in 2024,” Graham said.