July 21st 2024.
In a surprising turn of events, US President Joe Biden has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, months before the highly anticipated November election. This announcement comes with the immediate endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee. Biden's decision follows mounting pressure for him to step aside after a series of blunders following his debate with former President Donald Trump last month. This unprecedented move has left many wondering what will happen next.
One of the main questions arising from Biden's withdrawal is what will happen to the process of selecting a presidential nominee. This process is known to be complex, with each state holding primary elections to select delegates for the national convention, which is scheduled for mid-August. As the frontrunner, Biden had secured most of the 4521 pledged delegates, handpicked by his campaign to support him. However, with his withdrawal, these delegates are now free to vote for any candidate they choose.
This development has opened the door for potential candidates to vie for the nomination, and the race is expected to be fiercely competitive. This is reminiscent of the pre-1968 era, where nominees were selected through a simple majority of delegates. This system was later changed due to the chaos that ensued in that year. Adding to the complexity is the deadline for the state of Ohio to finalize its ballot. This deadline falls before the actual convention, which means that Biden's name was due to be nominated in late July. With his withdrawal, this process will have to be revisited.
Many are now wondering if Kamala Harris will replace Joe Biden as the Democratic Party's nominee. While delegates are free to vote for anyone, Harris is the likely frontrunner due to her position as Vice President and the advantages that come with it. The campaign's financial resources, which amount to over $240 million, will remain in the hands of the Biden-Harris ticket, giving her a significant advantage over other potential candidates who would have to start from scratch.
Other Democrats who may be eyeing the opportunity to jump into the race include California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been actively campaigning for the party's values. However, his association with the heavily liberal state of California may not sit well with voters in key midwestern states. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro are also being considered, given their success in their respective states. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg impressed many during his 2020 presidential run, but his young age may be a disadvantage. Many also hope for former First Lady Michelle Obama to enter the race, but she has repeatedly stated her aversion to politics.
The possibility of Biden resigning from the presidency altogether is also being considered. While he has stated his intention to remain in office until the end of his term, if circumstances were to change, Harris would be immediately elevated to the presidency. This would not automatically make her the nominee for the November election, but it is highly unlikely that anyone else would be chosen.
All eyes are now on the fate of Biden's campaign funds, which amount to over $240 million. Experts believe that Harris would have control over these funds since the campaign was set up in both her and Biden's names. However, if the Democrats were to nominate someone other than Harris, the Biden-Harris account would have restrictions in how the funds can be used. Despite some threats from conservatives, it is unlikely that Harris would be kept off state ballots, as state laws do not dictate how parties choose their nominees for president.
In conclusion, Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race has created a ripple effect that has left many questions in its wake. With the nomination process now wide open, the race to become the Democratic Party's nominee is expected to be intense. Only time will tell who will ultimately be chosen to represent the party in the November election.
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