In a dramatic turn of events, President Joe Biden has exited the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor for the Democratic nomination. This unexpected development reshapes the trajectory of the Democratic Party’s campaign with the Democratic National Convention just a month away.
Is Biden Still the President?
Yes, Joe Biden remains the sitting president until his successor is officially inaugurated in January. Despite his exit from the presidential race, he has pledged to continue his duties as president through the end of his term. However, calls from senior Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have emerged, urging Biden to step down from the presidency immediately.
Kamala Harris: The Likely Democratic Nominee?
While Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris makes her the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, her official candidacy is not yet guaranteed. Biden was set to be confirmed as the Democratic nominee after securing the majority of delegate support in recent primary contests. With his withdrawal, it falls to the delegates at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to decide the party’s nominee.
Harris, who was on the same ticket as Biden, benefits from his endorsement, making her the most likely candidate to succeed him. The party seems to be consolidating around her, with no serious challengers emerging. This situation is unprecedented in modern times; the last instance of an incumbent president abandoning their re-election campaign occurred with Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1968.
Could Other Candidates Emerge?
As speculation grew about Biden’s potential withdrawal, several Democratic figures were considered as possible replacements. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was mentioned, though she initially declined to consider a bid. In her response to Biden’s withdrawal, she pledged to support Democratic efforts to prevent Donald Trump from winning.
Other potential candidates, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, have since rallied behind Harris. The DNC, scheduled to begin on August 19, will be a critical moment. If the party does not coalesce around a single candidate, it could lead to an open convention, a scenario not seen in decades.
In an open convention, delegates would have the freedom to vote for any candidate. Candidates would need signatures from at least 300 delegates, with no more than 50 from one state, to appear on the ballot. If no candidate secures a majority of votes in the initial round of voting, subsequent rounds will involve superdelegates—party leaders and elected officials—until a nominee is chosen. To win the nomination, a candidate must secure 1,976 delegate votes.
Choosing a Vice Presidential Running Mate
The process of selecting a vice presidential running mate is generally less formal than choosing the presidential nominee. If Kamala Harris becomes the Democratic nominee, potential running mates being discussed include prominent Democrats such as Josh Shapiro, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. The choice of vice president will be pivotal in shaping Harris’s campaign and governance strategy.
Handling Campaign Funds
Regarding the funds raised by Biden’s campaign, which amount to nearly $100 million (£73 million), campaign finance experts suggest that these funds could be transferred directly to Harris’s campaign if she becomes the Democratic nominee. This transfer is considered clear-cut by experts like Dara Lindenbaum, a Federal Election Commission commissioner.
However, this transfer of funds may face challenges from Republicans who argue that Biden was not the official nominee when he exited the race. If a different candidate emerges as the nominee, the fate of the funds accrued by the Biden-Harris campaign remains uncertain.
What’s Next for the Democratic Party?
As the Democratic Party navigates this sudden shift, the coming weeks will be crucial. The DNC will play a pivotal role in officially confirming the nominee and setting the stage for the general election. Harris’s campaign will need to leverage the momentum from Biden’s endorsement and the substantial fundraising boost to solidify her position and prepare for the challenges ahead.
FAQ
Q1: Why did Joe Biden drop out of the 2024 presidential race? A1: Joe Biden dropped out of the race to allow Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee. His decision follows concerns about his age and performance, and he has pledged to remain president until January 2025.
Q2: Is Kamala Harris now the official Democratic nominee for president? A2: While Kamala Harris is the frontrunner due to Biden’s endorsement, she is not yet the official nominee. The Democratic National Convention will ultimately confirm the nominee, and delegates will play a crucial role in this decision.
Q3: What happens if the party does not unite behind a single candidate before the DNC? A3: If the Democratic Party does not consolidate around a single candidate, the DNC could become an open convention. This scenario would allow delegates to vote for multiple candidates, with subsequent rounds of voting involving superdelegates to determine the nominee.
Q4: How are vice presidential candidates selected? A4: The selection of a vice presidential running mate is generally less formal than the presidential nomination process. If Kamala Harris becomes the Democratic nominee, potential running mates could include prominent Democrats such as Josh Shapiro, JB Pritzker, and Mark Kelly.
Q5: What will happen to the funds raised by Biden’s campaign? A5: The funds raised by Biden’s campaign are expected to be transferred to Kamala Harris’s campaign if she becomes the Democratic nominee. However, this transfer might face challenges from Republicans who argue that Biden was not the official nominee when he exited the race.
Q6: What are the next steps for the Democratic Party following Biden’s exit? A6: The Democratic Party will focus on confirming the nominee at the DNC, uniting around a single candidate, and preparing for the general election. The Harris campaign will need to harness the momentum from Biden’s endorsement and significant fundraising to strengthen its position.
