In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday, 21 July 2024, that he would be ending his re-election campaign for the 2024 US presidential race. This unexpected decision has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, leaving many to wonder about the implications for the Democratic Party and the upcoming election.
Why Did Biden Drop Out?
Biden's decision to withdraw from the race came after weeks of mounting pressure from within his own party. The catalyst for this pressure was a poor performance in a debate against former President Donald Trump in late June, which raised concerns about Biden's ability to effectively campaign and potentially serve another term.
In his statement, Biden cited the best interests of the party and the country as his reasons for stepping down. He acknowledged the honour of serving as president but expressed his belief that it was time to pass the torch to a new generation of leadership.
What Happens Next?
With Biden's withdrawal, the Democratic Party now faces the challenge of selecting a new nominee. The process will unfold as follows:
Democratic National Convention: The party will hold its convention from 19-22 August 2024 in Chicago. During this event, delegates will vote to select the new nominee.
Delegate Realignment: The approximately 3,896 pledged delegates who were committed to Biden are now free to support other candidates.
Potential Open Convention: If no clear frontrunner emerges, the party could face its first open convention since 1968.
Nominee Selection: The chosen candidate will then select a running mate and take over the existing campaign infrastructure, including the substantial cash reserves of $98 million.
Who Could Replace Biden?
While several names have been floated as potential replacements, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the frontrunner. Here's a look at the key contenders:
- Kamala Harris: As the current Vice President, Harris has received Biden's endorsement and support from many prominent Democrats. Her historic position as the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President adds to her appeal.
- Gavin Newsom: The California Governor has been seen as a potential presidential candidate for years and has actively built a national profile.
- Gretchen Whitmer: The Michigan Governor has gained prominence for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her focus on kitchen-table issues.
- Pete Buttigieg: The current Secretary of Transportation and former presidential candidate has maintained a high profile within the administration.
- Elizabeth Warren: The Massachusetts Senator and former presidential candidate has a strong base among progressive Democrats.
Support for Harris
In the hours following Biden's announcement, Harris has received endorsements from several key figures and groups:
- Bill and Hillary Clinton
- Governors Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, and Phil Murphy
- Progressive Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Several Senate Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren and Mark Kelly
- The Congressional Black Caucus and Black state attorneys general
However, some notable figures, including former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have not yet endorsed Harris, instead calling for a fair and transparent selection process.
Financial Impact
The Democratic Party has seen a surge in donations following Biden's announcement. ActBlue, a prominent fundraising platform for Democrats, reported raising over $27.5 million within the first five hours of Harris's presidential campaign launch.
As the Democratic Party navigates this unexpected transition, the focus remains on selecting a nominee who can effectively challenge Donald Trump in the November election. The coming weeks will be crucial as the party works to unite behind a new candidate and maintain momentum heading into the general election.
Resources:
- Biden drops out - https://apnews.com/article/harris-biden-presidential-candidate-election-withdraw-9fbd153493cb3f088994854fe61a73e9
- Democrats promise orderly process - https://apnews.com/article/biden-harris-dnc-next-steps-2024-election-13bbcca73ca682f16284cf8874011dfa
- Who could replace Biden - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/who-could-replace-joe-biden/
- Harris endorsements - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/22/us-election-after-biden-who-has-endorsed-kamala-harris-and-who-hasnt
- Biden withdrawal impact - https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/22/live-updates-harris-democrats-biden-drops-out-trump-campaign.html
Other Information:
- Democratic National Committee - https://democrats.org
- The White House - https://www.whitehouse.gov
- Kamala Harris Official Page - https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/vice-president-harris/