President Joe Biden had what was widely considered to be a disastrous debate performance last week, a fact which has led some Democrats to suggest that the party needs to nominate someone else.

An example of that phenomenon came on Monday when New Republic columnist Garance Franke-Ruta argued that Biden should resign so Vice President Kamala Harris can take over. 

Writer says stepping down would give Biden "an extraordinary role in history"

Franke-Ruta began by asserting that "there is only one graceful way out of this mess, should party leaders and his family convince him to not stand for reelection."

"A way to turn the narrative capstone of the Biden presidency in the history books from one where he did not run because he was old and feeble to one where he did the boldest thing any American leader can," she continued.

What Joe Biden Could Do: Resign and Make Kamala Harris President https://t.co/clbVAU60pO

— The New Republic (@newrepublic) July 1, 2024

"He needs to hand the presidency—and his convention delegates—over to Vice President Kamala Harris in August in Chicago," Franke-Ruta declared.

According to her, such a move would constitute "a game changer" as well as "cement" for Biden "an extraordinary role in history."

Multiple polls show Harris would lose in a contest with Trump

Yet despite Franke-Ruta's glowing prediction, polling data suggests that Harris would be in for a tough fight if she were to square off against former President Donald Trump.

A New York Times/Siena survey put out in March showed that Harris would only garner 42% of the popular vote compared to Trump's 48%.

What's more, a Fox News poll released late last year showed Trump beating Harris by five points. It also found that only 38% of voters approved of her performance as vice president whereas 59% said they disapproved.

However, a necessary condition for Harris to take over would be a decision by Biden to resign, something he seems unlikely to do.

First lady says her husband's campaign will continue

Fox News reported that First Lady Jill Biden told Vogue magazine that the president will continue his reelection campaign despite how the debate played out.

"Dr. Jill Biden, the first lady and Vogue’s August cover subject, has fiercely defended her husband and stood by him," Fox News quoted the publication as stating.

The first lady insisted that she and her husband "will not let those 90 minutes define the four years he’s been president."