What happens if Joe Biden decides to drop out of the 2024 US presidential race, and who…



NEW DELHI: With the number of prominent Democratic leaders urging Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 US presidential race growing by the day, political analysts believe that the 81-year-old might give in to party pressure and give up his bid for re-election.
So, what happens if Joe Biden decides to drop out of the 2024 US presidential race? There are several potential scenarios that could unfold:
Biden’s withdrawal will likely trigger a complex process, with the party potentially needing to adjust its nomination procedures and navigate legal challenges at the state level.

What happens when Biden drops out

  • Notification and Confirmation: President Biden would formally notify the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and other relevant party officials of his decision to withdraw from the race. The DNC would confirm the withdrawal and begin the process of selecting a new candidate.
  • Temporary Leadership: The DNC would appoint an interim chair or acting chair to manage the party’s operations and the selection process until a new candidate is chosen.
  • Caucuses and Committees: The various Democratic caucuses and committees, such as the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Progressive Caucus, would likely convene to discuss and endorse a new candidate. These groups would also engage in discussions with potential candidates to gauge their support and willingness to run.
  • Candidate Selection: The DNC would hold a series of meetings and discussions with party leaders, elected officials, and other stakeholders to determine the best candidate to replace Biden. The process would involve data analysis, polling, and direct conversations with potential candidates to assess their viability and appeal to the party’s base.
  • Primary and Caucus Schedule: The DNC would adjust the primary and caucus schedule to accommodate the new candidate. This might involve rescheduling some events or modifying the order of the primaries to ensure a smooth transition.

Many hurdles

The Democratic Party will need to modify its nomination procedures, address legal hurdles at the state level, and quickly coalesce around a replacement candidate, all while navigating internal divisions and a tight timeline.

  • Modifying Nomination Procedures: The Democratic Party’s rules outline procedures for replacing a candidate who steps aside before the formal nomination. This would likely involve the party modifying its rules regarding candidate substitution through a vote.
  • Navigating Legal Challenges: After the convention, state laws could present obstacles to replacing Biden on specific ballots. The party would need to carefully navigate these legal challenges at the state level.
  • Timing Considerations: The Democratic National Committee is currently expediting the process to officially nominate Biden as the party’s presidential candidate by the first week of August, through a virtual roll call vote. This is being done to meet ballot deadlines in Ohio, despite objections from some Democrats who want more time for deliberation.
  • Potential Replacement Candidates: If Biden were to drop out, the party would need to quickly identify and rally behind an alternative candidate, navigating the complex process and potential legal challenges.

Who could replace Biden?

If Joe Biden were to drop out of the 2024 US presidential race, there are several potential candidates who could replace him as the Democratic nominee:

  • Kamala Harris: As the current Vice President, Kamala Harris would likely be at the top of the list to replace Biden. However, she has faced criticism for her perceived lack of distinctiveness within the Biden administration and concerning polling approval ratings. Harris has been a loyal ally to Biden and fiercely defended his debate performance, but she would still need to rally delegates at a contested convention.
  • Gavin Newsom: The California Governor has been floated as a possible replacement and is known for his support of Democrats nationally. Newsom has political ambition and frequently appears as a surrogate praising Biden, but he is currently working to get Biden elected.
  • Gretchen Whitmer: The Michigan Governor is an increasingly popular Midwest Democrat who has campaigned for Biden in the past. Whitmer led a successful campaign in 2022 that left Michigan Democrats in control of the state legislature and governorship, allowing her to enact progressive policies.
  • J.B. Pritzker: The Illinois Governor emerges as a wealthy and progressive candidate with strong stances on key issues like abortion rights, gun control, and marijuana legalization. Pritzker has been floated as a possible replacement, but is currently working as a Biden surrogate.
  • Other Potential Candidates: Other names that have been mentioned include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, California Representative Ro Khanna, and Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.




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