Joe Biden has affirmed his commitment to running against Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election despite increasing pressure from Democratic donors, senior figures, and lawmakers concerned about his declining poll numbers and advancing age. The question arises: what happens if Biden decides to step down?
Kamala Harris: The natural successor?
While Biden remains steadfast in his campaign, speculation abounds regarding his potential withdrawal. Many Democrats believe that if Biden were to exit the race, it could enhance the party’s chances of defeating Trump. Selecting a replacement could rejuvenate the Democratic base and provide a fresh start.
Biden cannot simply pass the leadership to Vice President Kamala Harris, although he could endorse her. Harris is a logical choice with her high profile and established campaign funds. However, the ultimate decision rests with the delegates at the Democratic National Convention in mid-August. According to party rules, these delegates are expected to “in good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.”
Source: RealClearPolitics
Due to the primary results, nearly 4,000 delegates are committed to Biden. However, Biden could release them and endorse Harris, potentially expediting the nomination process. After the first ballot, delegates are free to vote for any candidate. Harris’s position within the current administration gives her an advantage, though her popularity is not significantly higher than Biden’s. Other potential contenders include California Governor Gavin Newsom and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
The Trump factor and democratic division
As Trump celebrates his nomination at the Republican convention in Milwaukee, Biden is dealing with calls to step down. On Friday, Biden’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, asserted that Biden is firmly in the race, stating, “Joe Biden is more committed than ever to beat Donald Trump, and we believe in this campaign. We are built for the close election that we are in, and we see the path forward.”
Despite this, discussions about Biden stepping down are rampant in Washington and at the Republican convention. Trump and his team have ridiculed the perceived chaos among Democrats, expressing confidence in their ability to defeat any Democratic opponent.
Seven Democratic lawmakers, including a third U.S. senator, have urged Biden to withdraw. Four House members released a statement urging the 81-year-old president to “pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders.” They highlighted concerns about Biden’s age and fitness potentially jeopardizing the campaign.
House Democrats Sean Casten and Greg Landsman also asked Biden to step aside. New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich joined the chorus, becoming the third Democratic senator to suggest Biden’s withdrawal, alongside Jon Tester of Montana and Vermont’s Peter Welch.
Heinrich stated, “This moment in our nation’s history calls for a focus that is bigger than any one person,” and argued that Biden was “in the best interests of our country” to end his campaign. Biden responded defiantly on Twitter, expressing his eagerness to return to the campaign trail and continue highlighting the dangers posed by Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda.
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