Good evening, I am reporting on the recent concerns raised by Democrats following Joe Biden’s debate performance. After his spotty showing, there has been speculation about whether he would withdraw from the presidential race. However, Biden is already the presumptive nominee for the Democratic party and the top choice of primary voters. Analysts have pointed out that voters, not party officials, have the power to choose the nominee.
The current primary system that gives power to primary voters was born out of discontent within the Democratic party after the selection of Vice President Hubert Humphrey as the nominee in 1968. If Biden were to leave the race, the process in 2024 would be different, although the Democratic convention is set to return to Chicago in August.
Delegates play a crucial role in selecting the party’s nominee, with most currently pledged to Biden. If Biden were to drop out, his supporters would largely be responsible for choosing his replacement. Potential candidates like Vice President Kamala Harris or California Gov. Gavin Newsom could be contenders.
On the Democratic side, there is also a group of “superdelegates” who could impact the nomination process. If a candidate were to leave the race after the convention, the Democratic National Committee would have the authority to fill the vacancy on the national ticket.
In modern times, Sen. Thomas Eagleton stepped aside as the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 1972 due to mental illness, leading to the selection of Sargent Shriver as George McGovern’s running mate. If a president-elect were to die, questions arise about the succession process and when exactly a person becomes president-elect.
In conclusion, the process of selecting a new nominee in the event of a candidate leaving the race is complex and could lead to a contentious debate among delegates and party officials.
