After a debate performance that left Democrats paler than a winter in Alaska, calls to replace Joe Biden in the presidential race are growing louder, with some describing it as an impending political 'disaster.'

As the dust settles from Biden's lackluster sparring with Trump, murmurs of an impending shake-up are rippling through the Democratic Party. Stunned by Biden's gaffe-laden debate, Democratic insiders like David Axelrod are vocalizing the urgent need for fresh blood, and the once unthinkable notion of an open convention is gaining traction. With fears of a doomed November, potential saviors such as Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer are being whispered about in backrooms, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic political plot twist.

David Axelrod, a seasoned Democratic strategist, has expressed a 'sense of shock' that permeates the Democratic ranks after Biden's debate performance. Axelrod’s comments highlight the growing concerns among Democrats and the urgency of the situation, with some even jesting that nominating an alternative candidate might be more entertaining than their usual Netflix binge.

While a number of Democrats are grappling with the fallout of a less-than-stellar debate performance by Biden, the coming days might witness a rising chorus urging him to pull the plug on his campaign before November rolls around. Their concerns largely stem from a fear that Biden is unequipped to win in the upcoming election if he continues his campaign. It's almost as if they're expecting a plot twist in a political thriller, but hoping for a happier ending.

The prospect of an open convention, where delegates could nominate a candidate other than Biden, is being seriously contemplated by some party members. This would be a significant turn of events, as such a scenario is neither easy to orchestrate nor traditionally favored by the party establishment. Yet, the specter of a general election defeat is pushing some Democrats to advocate for this radical solution. It's almost like trying to replace the main actor right before opening night—not impossible, but definitely not ideal!

Democrats supporting Biden, albeit reluctantly, are privately using terms such as 'disaster' to describe his debate performance. This dichotomy highlights the internal conflict within the party: remain loyal to the incumbent president or pivot to a new candidate who might have a better chance of success—like trying to decide whether to keep wearing well-worn shoes that have gotten you this far or switch to new ones that might give you blisters.

Options for replacing Biden are as limited as they are drastic. The most straightforward approach would require Biden to step down voluntarily – an unlikely scenario for any incumbent president in the midst of a campaign. After all, politicians aren't exactly known for their eagerness to step aside. The alternative would be an all-out revolt among the Democratic National Convention delegates – an option fraught with risks and the potential for significant party infighting.

Political commentators, including Van Jones, have not minced words in their post-debate analyses, with some expressing outright disappointment in Biden's performance. Their assessments add weight to the argument that the party needs to act swiftly and decisively. It's almost like watching a slow-motion car crash, but with more handshakes and fewer airbags.

Despite the growing calls for a change, some Democrats believe it might be too late to switch candidates. The logistical nightmare of gearing up a new campaign, combined with the potential for a contentious internal battle, makes this a complex, high-stakes decision. The risk of fracturing the party just months before the election is a genuine concern. After all, switching candidates mid-race is about as easy as herding cats in a thunderstorm.

Speculation is rife regarding who could step into Biden's shoes if he were to step down. Potential candidates include California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Alternatively, elevating Vice President Kamala Harris to the top of the ticket is also being floated as a possible solution. It's like debating who should replace Santa Claus right before Christmas.

There is no shortage of Democrats who see the urgency in addressing Biden's faltering campaign, but the path forward remains uncertain and fraught with political landmines. As the party grapples with these difficult choices, those in the backrooms continue to murmur, plotting and scheming their way to what they hope will be a winning formula come November.