In the aftermath of President Joe Biden's recent debate performance, the Democratic Party is in a state of turmoil. Prominent figures in the party have found themselves at odds, debating the future of Biden's presidency and the potential for new leadership. Gov. Gavin Newsom has emerged as a central figure in this political discourse.

Morning Joe's Joe Scarborough was among the first to criticize Gov. Newsom's defense of Biden. Scarborough stressed the importance of questioning Biden's fitness for another term. Despite acknowledging Biden's successful first term, Scarborough argued, Is it time for him to step down? The window has not completely closed, but it is closing. This sentiment highlights the unease within the party regarding Biden's capacity to lead moving forward.

Newsom's own words, which sought to pivot the attention back to Biden's legislative achievements, were not enough to quell doubts. He stated, We need to deliver for this president in this moment. However, amidst a wide range of media critiques and Biden's seemingly faltering performance, the calls for a reevaluation of the party's leadership have only grown louder.

Meanwhile, prominent Democrats have rallied to support Biden. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, who himself faced criticism for a shaky debate performance following a stroke, urged the party not to abandon Biden. Fetterman argued, I refuse to join the Democratic vultures on Biden's shoulder after the debate. No one knows more than me that a rough debate is not the sum total of the person and their record. This message resonates among Democrats who still see Biden as capable of leading, even as doubts persist.

Significantly, Vice President Kamala Harris also came to Biden's defense, acknowledging his slow start in the debate but asserting, it was a strong finish. Harris emphasized that Biden remains focused on substance and policy, indicating continued confidence in his leadership.

However, allegations and controversies surrounding Newsom himself have complicated his position. Comedian and podcaster Adam Carolla criticized Newsom for his COVID-19 measures during a post-debate interview. Carolla pointedly asked, Governor, why did you shut the beaches in California during COVID?, to which Newsom's defense seemed ineffective. The backlash to Newsom's policies and his handling of the pandemic further adds to the uncertainty regarding his capability to stand as an alternative to Biden.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a resurfaced scandal from Newsom's past further mars his image. During his tenure as mayor of San Francisco, Newsom admitted to an affair with Ruby Rippey-Tourk, his scheduling secretary and the wife of his best friend and Deputy Chief of Staff, Alex Tourk. This affair, revealed during Rippey-Tourk's addiction treatment, cast a long shadow over Newsom's personal and political ethics.

Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, recently mocked Biden's performance while also highlighting concerns over Newsom as a potential replacement. In a dramatic broadcast, Portnoy expressed disbelief in Biden's ability to stand for two hours and ridiculed the idea of Newsom stepping into Biden's shoes, further contributing to the discourse on the viability of current Democratic leadership.

In conclusion, the current political landscape within the Democratic Party is fraught with tension and uncertainty. As Biden continues to face scrutiny regarding his cognitive abilities, figures like Gavin Newsom are caught between defending the current administration and addressing their own controversies. The debate over Biden's future and the search for potential successors underscores the larger challenges the Democratic Party must confront as it moves towards the next election cycle.