Breaking News: Biden Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses Kamala Harris
Introduction
In a shocking turn of events, US President Joe Biden has announced that he will be dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, effective immediately. This decision comes after weeks of pressure from the Democratic party to step aside, following a disastrous debate performance and the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. In this article, we will explore the implications of Biden’s decision, the potential candidates to replace him, and the rules surrounding the appointment of a successor.
Who is the Leading Candidate to Replace Biden?
While Biden has endorsed Kamala Harris to replace him at the top of the ticket, the party does not yet have an official nominee. However, Harris is widely seen as the leading candidate, and many party officials and donors are coalescing around her. In fact, California governor Gavin Newsom has already endorsed Harris’s bid, and Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to do the same.
Will Anyone Challenge Harris?
While a challenge to Harris’s nomination is possible, it seems unlikely at this point. Joe Manchin, the 77-year-old centrist senator from West Virginia, is considering a challenge, but this would require him to switch his party registration back to Democrat. Additionally, many party donors are already rallying behind Harris, making it difficult for any other candidate to gain traction.
What Does Biden Do Now?
As a lame duck, Biden is likely to focus on his foreign policy agenda, including securing a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and cementing support for Ukraine. He may also hit the campaign trail on behalf of his successor, Harris. This move is reminiscent of Lyndon B Johnson’s decision to step aside in 1968, when he focused on his foreign policy agenda while supporting his vice president, Hubert Humphrey.
What Are the Rules Around Appointing a Successor?
Since Biden has dropped out ahead of the formal nomination at the Democratic National Convention, the party’s rules govern how his successor can be chosen. There are 3,937 pledged delegates at the DNC, and 1,976 are needed to win the nomination. Now that Biden has dropped out, these delegates are free to vote for whichever candidate they want, although this is likely to be whoever the party coalesces around.
What Happens to Biden’s Campaign Funds?
Biden shares a campaign committee with Harris, so she would retain access to its funds if she becomes the nominee. The committee raised $270mn in the second quarter. If someone other than Harris succeeds Biden, his campaign would have to offer to refund the money to donors, who could then use it to contribute to a new candidate’s campaign.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race is a significant development in the Democratic primary. Kamala Harris is now the leading candidate to replace him, and it is likely that she will be the party’s nominee. While there may be some internal challenges to her nomination, Harris is well-positioned to take the reins of the party and face off against Republican nominee Donald Trump in the general election.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of the Democratic primary?
A: The Democratic primary is in a state of flux, with Joe Biden announcing his withdrawal from the race and Kamala Harris emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.
Q: Who is the likely successor to Biden?
A: Kamala Harris is the likely successor to Biden, having been endorsed by the president and gaining momentum within the party.
Q: What are the rules surrounding the appointment of a successor?
A: The party’s rules govern how the successor can be chosen, with 3,937 pledged delegates at the DNC needed to win the nomination.
Q: What happens to Biden’s campaign funds?
A: Biden’s campaign funds will be transferred to Kamala Harris if she becomes the nominee, or refunded to donors if someone else succeeds him.
Q: What is the timeline for the Democratic National Convention?
A: The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to take place next month, where the party will officially nominate its candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
Author: www.ft.com
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