What Will Happen If Joe Biden Steps Down?
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KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Intense calls for Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race have emerged, but he remains committed to his campaign.
- If Biden withdraws before the Democratic nomination, delegates and superdelegates would vote for a new nominee.
Weeks after the debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in Atlanta, calls for Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race have intensified. Despite this pressure, Biden has remained resolute about continuing his campaign. As primary ballots are already in play, the implications of a potential withdrawal are significant.
Impact Before Nomination
If President Biden were to withdraw before the Democratic nomination, which is scheduled during a virtual roll call in early August ahead of the Democratic National Convention, the process for selecting a new nominee would be as follows:
1. Delegate Voting: The 3,900 pledged delegates attending the convention would cast their votes for a new candidate. A simple majority vote would determine the new nominee.
2. Role of Superdelegates: If no clear majority emerges, superdelegates, who number over 700, would also cast their votes. Unlike pledged delegates, superdelegates are not bound by the primary results and can choose any candidate.
3. Further Voting: Voting by both pledged and superdelegates would continue until a candidate secures a majority.
Impact After Nomination
If President Biden were to resign or become ineligible before or during the National Convention, the process would involve the Democratic National Committee (DNC):
1. DNC Authority: The task of filling the position would fall to the DNC. To suggest a replacement, the party chair would confer with Democratic officials, such as governors and leaders of Congress.
2. Vice President’s Role: Vice President Kamala Harris would take over as president if Joe Biden were to resign from office before the end of his tenure. She wouldn’t, however, be the Democratic nominee in 2024 elections by default.
3. Possible DNC Decisions: If they think it is essential, the DNC is still able to choose a new candidate for the top spot.
Current Developments
Nearly two-thirds of Democrats, according to an AP-NORC survey, would rather that Biden drop down in favor of a different candidate. Furthermore, Biden has returned to his Delaware home after testing positive for COVID-19 lately. Though his remarks have been muted, former President Barack Obama has also voiced worries about Biden’s campaign for a second term.
The party’s nominee will be decided upon in August during the Democratic National Convention. On Thursday, the Republican National Convention will come to an end.