As one of many people who thought that Joe Biden’s physical and mental acuity had long since slipped below the bar of “fitness for office,” I think the Republican Party may regret their good night in the debate.

Joe Biden has been a tremendously weak candidate. In many ways, the 2024 race has been a race for both parties to replace their aged presumptive nominee with someone else.

Right now, MSNBC and CNN post-debate panels are openly talking about options for pressuring Biden to withdraw, or party officials conspiring to replace him at the convention anyway.

I truly believe that convention drama is usually energizing for a party, not demoralizing. And the selection between Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom would allow Democrats to feel like the party of the future again, rather than a party litigating a recent past that voters hated.

If Biden’s bad performance really does lead to his departure from the race, Republicans will miss him.

Reminder: Gavin Newsom is a dangerous candidate for Republicans.