Published on July 2, 2024, 12:38 am

As discussions about the 2024 elections ignite, the predicament of some red-state Democrats is coming to light; their sentiment is likened to that of a snowshoe hare fearfully anticipating an approaching lynx. A prime example of such Democrats is Alaska’s Mary Peltola. Her endorsement of Joe Biden’s re-election attempt might put her in a precarious position come November.

The fallout from President Joe Biden’s 90-minute debate against former President Donald Trump continues to unravel, with its effects extending into the weekend. The event left many questioning Biden’s competence due to perceived signs of advanced dementia, sparking heated debates across the Democratic spectrum.

Many have started voicing out their concerns on a national level – with some defending Biden while others urge him to withdraw from the race. Four prominent newspapers – the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Atlanta Constitution, and even the Philadelphia Inquirer – have joined this chorus calling for Biden’s departure from the race.

However, seeming to swim against this tide are two entities: The Alaska Democratic Party and Democrat Rep. Mary Peltola who have maintained silence on this issue. Speculation abounds that Peltola’s refusal to address these matters stems from embarrassment as she had previously given an enthusiastic endorsement to Joe Biden’s campaign in February 2024.

Peltola had asserted that Biden was “…one of the smartest, sharpest people I’ve met in D.C.” Skepticism abounds surrounding these claims – especially in light of last week’s debate that has led many critics incredulous about his cognitive capabilities.

Notably, Mrs. Peltola will likely square off with one of two possible Republican candidates in November: Nick Begich or Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom. In previous elections like 2022, she derived an advantage by aligning ideologically with Princess Lisa Murkowski for her moderate Senate campaign appeasing blue areas like Anchorage and Juneau where collaborative “Murkowski/Peltola” signs were rampant. This edge, however, will be notably missing this time.

Another decisive factor is the absence of Sarah Palin. Despite her enduring name recognition in Alaska, it’s not all positive as her brand can galvanize Democratic turnout. Coupling this with a low turnout year like 2022 and Peltola comfortably secured her first full term.

One more variable adds complexity to the upcoming election – ranked-choice voting (RCV). Even though many hope for its repeal in November and a return to the traditional closed-primary system, it won’t affect this year’s election. RCV instilled some confusion during the 2022 elections; hopefully, experiences from then shall inform Republican candidates better. Anticipating these challenges, Nick Begich has already pledged to back the front-runner post-August primary if he’s not leading by then.

Considering these variables, whether jointly or individually, both Begich and Dahlstrom have a golden opportunity to continually remind Peltola of her fervent endorsement for Biden throughout their campaigns which could heavily cost Peltola in November.

In conclusion, tensions are rising within Democrats across Alaska who appear still and silent – much like whistling past the graveyard of the Biden administration – awaiting directives from their national party about what stance to adopt.

Akin to a self-inflicted wound dating back to 2020 when they nominated Biden knowing his questionable cognitive health but banking instead on inventive candidate handling strategies –it’s time now for them to pay up. The decision looming over them is whether Vice President Kamala Harris or another candidate should replace him which would require convincing both Biden and First Lady Jill Biden to relinquish the White House.

As uncertainties loom large on multiple fronts, it might soon be daylight again in Alaska minus Mary Peltola.