• Joe Biden steps aside from the 2024 presidential race.
• Kamala Harris becomes the presumptive Democratic nominee.
• DNC faces complex nomination process and potential open convention.

Exit Decision of Joe Biden Creates Uncertainty!

Joe Biden Steps Aside from the 2024 Presidential Race.

President Joe Biden decided to end his re-election campaign on Sunday i.e. 21st of July. President Joe Biden’s choice to not run in the 2024 presidential race has left the Democratic Party facing significant uncertainty. With Vice President Kamala Harris now seen as the presumptive nominee, there is much ambiguity surrounding the nomination process and the party’s strategic direction. As Democrats gear up for their national convention in Chicago, the focus is on managing a smooth transition and ensuring a robust candidate to oppose the Republican nominee.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has vowed to conduct a transparent and orderly nomination process, yet many specifics are still unresolved. With the possibility of an open convention for the first time since 1968, party leaders are navigating uncharted territory. This situation carries high stakes, not only for the Democratic Party but for the entire U.S. political landscape.

Steps and Expected Changes

Kamala Harris becomes the presumptive Democratic nominee but unanimous support is not guaranteed!

Although Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris might discourage significant opposition, potential challengers remain. Governors like Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and JB Pritzker of Illinois may consider running. Many of these potential candidates might find a better political future in vying for the vice-presidential slot rather than challenging Harris for the nomination.

Even if most potential challengers decide not to run, there is no guarantee of unanimous support for Harris. Some Democrats, including elected officials and major donors, have expressed concerns about Harris’s low favorability ratings. Former President Barack Obama’s statement following Biden’s announcement expressed confidence in the party’s ability to create a fair process but did not include a Harris endorsement, suggesting that competition, rather than a coronation, might be more beneficial.

Initially, the DNC was preparing for a virtual roll call vote to officially pick the nominee starting as early as next week. However, these plans are now uncertain following President Biden’s decision to step aside. DNC Chair Jaime Harrison has committed to a transparent and orderly process, but the specific details remain unclear. It is undecided whether the process will include a virtual roll call before the convention or take place on the convention floor in Chicago during the week of August 19.

What to Expect Now

DNC faces a Complex Nomination Process and Potential Open Convention.

The DNC could hold a virtual vote to secure a new nominee before the convention. If no majority is reached, the decision will be made at an open convention. To appear on the ballot, a candidate needs signatures from at least 300 delegates. Delegates will vote in successive rounds until a candidate secures a majority, potentially leading to a brokered convention where superdelegates can vote starting from the second ballot.

An open convention occurs when no candidate has a clear majority of delegates. Candidates need signatures from at least 300 delegates to enter the race. The first ballot involves pledged delegates voting. If no majority is achieved, superdelegates join the voting pool from the second ballot onward. Voting continues until a candidate wins the majority of delegate votes, leading to extensive behind-the-scenes dealmaking and maneuvering.

Source: Joe Biden drops out of US presidential race: What happens next (msn.com)