President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the upcoming presidential election has left uncertainty regarding the Democratic ticket and the selection process for the nominee.
While President Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, making her a strong contender for the Democratic nomination, it is still unclear if any challengers will emerge.
This move by President Biden is unprecedented, and the nomination process now stands at a crossroads.
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Here’s what we know about the process:
How the nomination process works
President Biden had little opposition in the primaries, securing the majority of delegates needed for the convention. With his withdrawal, these delegates must now decide whether to support Harris or other potential candidates.
Prior to 1972, delegates were not chosen through primaries, making the conventions more significant. The party shifted to a more primary-focused system after the tumultuous 1968 convention.
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President Biden’s delegates are now free to support new nominees, and the deadline for selecting a new candidate before the Democratic National Convention is under scrutiny.
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If no candidate secures the necessary delegates in the first round of voting, superdelegates will join in the decision-making process. The process of selecting a nominee remains uncertain with several variables at play.
Were delegates free to choose other potential nominees?
What happens to campaign dollars
The fate of President Biden’s campaign resources, including staff and funds, is uncertain. If Harris becomes the nominee, access to these resources could be critical. However, if a challenger emerges, they may need to build a new campaign infrastructure quickly.
If Harris becomes the nominee, who becomes her running mate?
Support for Harris is widespread among prominent Democrats, but the selection of a running mate is a crucial decision that lies ahead. The choice of running mate will be subject to delegate approval.
What happens to Biden?
While President Biden plans to complete his current term, speculation around invoking the 25th Amendment has surfaced. Calls for his resignation or removal have stirred debate among lawmakers.
“If Joe Biden is unfit to run for re-election, he is unfit to carry out his term. 25th Amendment,” wrote Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin on X.
