biden-to-quit-2024-presidential-race-what-if-he-does

The political landscape in the United States may be on the brink of a seismic shift. Speculation is rife that President Joe Biden may withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, prompting intense discussions about the future of the Democratic Party.

 

With Biden’s health and the political climate under scrutiny, the implications of such a move are significant.

 

Reports emerged on Friday suggesting that President Biden could make a pivotal announcement regarding his re-election bid as early as this weekend.

 

Although no official confirmation has been made, the rumours have generated considerable buzz within political circles and the media.

 

President’s health concerns and speculations

 

On Tuesday, Biden, aged 81, hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the race if a medical condition were to be diagnosed. This statement followed his positive test for COVID-19 earlier in the week.

The President’s health has been a recurring topic of discussion, raising questions about his capacity to lead the nation through another term.

 

In response to growing concerns and speculation, campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Friday, firmly stating that President Biden is “absolutely” staying in the presidential race.

 

Despite this assertion, the air of uncertainty remains, compounded by internal party dynamics and external pressures.

 

Internal party dynamics

 

Within the Democratic Party, there have been murmurs of dissent. Some elected Democrats have publicly urged Biden to reconsider his re-election bid.

 

Former President Barack Obama has reportedly expressed doubts about Biden’s path to victory, a sentiment echoed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in private conversations.

 

Despite these internal pressures, Biden has maintained a stance of determination. In a written statement from his Delaware beach home, where he is recovering from COVID-19, Biden maintained, “The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win.”

 

Implications of a potential withdrawal

 

If President Biden were to step down as the Democratic nominee, it would trigger a process to select a new candidate.

 

The Democratic Party would likely face a “free-for-all” contest, leading to an open convention where potential nominees are suggested and voted upon until one secures the majority of delegate votes.

The Democratic National Convention (DNC), scheduled to take place in Chicago from August 19 to 22, would play a crucial role in this process.

 

Before the convention, over 4,000 “pledged” delegates are set to vote for their presidential nominee in a virtual roll call in early August.

 

If Biden withdraws before this voting begins, these delegates could cast their ballots for a new candidate.

 

Selecting a new nominee

 

The selection of a new nominee could involve multiple voting rounds and strategic negotiations.

 

According to DNC regulations, if no candidate wins a majority on the first ballot, more than 700 “superdelegates” are then allowed to vote.

 

Balloting would continue until a nominee is chosen, with eligible delegates voting for their candidate of choice, regardless of whether the candidate’s name was initially placed in the nomination.

 

Can Biden be forced out?

 

Forcing President Biden out of the race is highly improbable. Realistically, the only scenarios in which Biden could be replaced are if he voluntarily withdraws, dies, or suffers a significant disability.

 

However, there is a theoretical loophole within the DNC regulations that could be exploited.

 

The rule states, “All delegates to the National Convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.”

 

This could, in theory, be used to push Biden out, but experts doubt such a revolt would occur among Democratic delegates.

 

Potential successors

 

Should Biden step down, Vice President Kamala Harris is widely considered the most logical choice to succeed him.

 

Her position as the current Vice President places her in a prime position, and she has the support of several senior Democratic leaders.

 

However, other high-profile Democrats, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, are also viewed as strong alternatives.

 

Meena Bose, director of the Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency at Hofstra University, highlighted Harris’s potential candidacy, stating, “The vice president is the logical choice, obviously.”

 

The political landscape could shift dramatically depending on Biden’s decision and the subsequent nomination process.

 

As of now, President Biden has not made an official declaration regarding his potential withdrawal from the presidential race.

 

The coming days are crucial, with sources and experts anticipating a significant announcement from the President.

 

The decision will have far-reaching implications for the Democratic Party and the broader political dynamics in the United States.