The Democratic Party faces a tumultuous period following President Joe Biden's abrupt decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Biden’s departure, which comes just over 100 days before the November election, has left a void that Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to fill. However, the party is grappling with the sudden shift and the challenge of uniting behind a new candidate amidst a potentially chaotic national convention in Chicago.
Biden’s Decision to Step Down
President Biden, at 81 years old, had been the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party, having secured 3,896 pledged delegates out of nearly 4,000 available during the primary process. His campaign faced increasing scrutiny and pressure, particularly following a lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump in June. The debate amplified concerns about Biden’s age and capability to effectively lead the country for another term.
Biden's exit from the race was seen as a strategic move to avoid a more public and damaging revolt among his pledged delegates. By releasing these delegates, Biden has opened the door for other potential candidates to step forward, although he has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred successor.
Harris Steps Up, but Challenges Await
Kamala Harris, who served as Biden’s running mate in the 2020 election, is now the front-runner to inherit the Democratic nomination. Harris, 59, has garnered quick support from many Democrats who believe her to be the logical choice given her current position and close association with Biden’s administration. Early polling by CNN showed Harris performing strongly against Trump, suggesting she has the potential to rally the Democratic base and attract broader support.
However, Harris’s record in government has been met with mixed reviews, and she must overcome skepticism regarding her uneven performance in various roles. Despite this, her position as Vice President provides her with a strategic advantage in terms of accessing the campaign's established fundraising apparatus, which is crucial for the final sprint to the election.
Silence from Key Party Figures
While many Democrats have rallied behind Harris, some influential party members, including former House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have remained silent. This silence suggests potential reservations within the party's leadership and indicates that the path to Harris’s nomination may not be entirely smooth.
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago, scheduled in a few weeks, was initially intended to formally nominate Biden. Now, it is expected to be a contentious affair as the party navigates the nomination process without its previously anointed candidate. The convention could see a fierce contest for delegates' support, with the possibility of a floor fight that could expose deep divisions within the party.
The Implications of an Open Race
The sudden change in the Democratic race has created a precarious situation for the party. Biden’s withdrawal has not only disrupted the planned convention proceedings but has also introduced uncertainty regarding the party’s strategy against Trump. The urgency of uniting behind a candidate is paramount, as the Democratic Party must present a cohesive front to compete effectively in the general election.
With Biden no longer in the race, all pledged delegates are free to support any candidate, making the convention a critical battleground for securing the nomination. The prospect of new candidates entering the race adds another layer of complexity. Potential contenders could leverage the uncertainty to challenge Harris, further fragmenting the party’s support.
The Role of the 25th Amendment
While Biden remains President until January 2025, his withdrawal from the race has sparked discussions about the potential use of the 25th Amendment. This constitutional mechanism allows the Vice President and a majority of the cabinet to declare the President unfit for office, transferring power to the Vice President. Although such a move seems unlikely, the discussion underscores the heightened scrutiny of Biden’s ability to lead during his remaining time in office.
Democrats had previously urged then-Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment against Trump following the January 6 riot at the US Capitol in 2021. However, Pence refused, and the amendment has never been used. Currently, there is no indication from Biden’s cabinet that invoking the 25th Amendment is necessary.
Moving Forward
The Democratic Party faces a critical juncture as it navigates the fallout from Biden’s withdrawal. The upcoming convention will be a decisive moment for the party to demonstrate unity and resolve. For Harris, the support of her party and her ability to galvanize the base will be crucial in securing the nomination and mounting a robust campaign against Trump.
Harris’s campaign will need to address the mixed perceptions of her record and emphasize her vision for the future. As the first woman of color on a major party's presidential ticket, she represents a historic candidacy that could inspire and mobilize diverse voter demographics.
The urgency of solidifying support for Harris or another candidate cannot be overstated. With the general election rapidly approaching, the Democratic Party must swiftly resolve internal conflicts and focus on presenting a compelling alternative to Trump’s candidacy.
Conclusion
President Biden’s withdrawal has undeniably thrown the Democratic Party into a state of disarray. The upcoming convention in Chicago will be a pivotal event, determining whether the party can coalesce around a new candidate and maintain its competitiveness in the November election. Kamala Harris, with Biden’s endorsement, stands at the forefront, but she faces significant challenges in unifying the party and proving her capability to lead.
