Joe Biden emerged victorious in the Democratic primaries that took place earlier this year, but he is not officially the party’s presidential candidate until he receives endorsement at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, happening from the 19th to 22nd of August, 2024.
The Democratic party does not have any established procedures to replace its presumptive nominee, hence, such an attempt would be unprecedented in contemporary American politics. In essence, the solitary option available would be for Biden to willingly step down, allowing the delegates he won in the primaries (who have the responsibility of nominating a candidate at the Chicago convention) to select another candidate.
Even though there is no law mandating delegates to vote for the winner of the primaries, they are encouraged to cast their votes conscientiously upholding the sentiments of their electorate. If Biden decides to recede, he might get an opportunity to nominate his favourite candidate, probably his Vice President, Kamala Harris. This would have a significant influence on the delegates’ decision, although it will not hold them under any obligation.
The most extreme option available to Biden would be to resign from the presidency which would immediately make Harris the President. But that act would not simply make her the Democratic candidate for the elections in 2024. If a new candidate is selected at the Chicago convention, then the usually programmed event would turn into an unpredictable and contentious convention – an uncommon occurrence in current US politics. Roughly 700 party insiders, lacking unity, would be responsible for selecting a new candidate and they would have only a trio of months for unity and campaigning efforts for the November elections.
The potential successors include:
Kamala Harris
Biden’s Vice President would be the most natural choice. However, she has come under scrutiny for not establishing her unique role in the Biden administration and has recorded low approval ratings in the polls. These suggest she might face challenges in a face-off with Donald Trump in an election campaign. The 59-year-old has been a Biden supporter post-debate, but she might be the most convenient choice for the party to replace Biden. If Biden decides to resign presently, Harris would automatically be upgraded to the position of President.
Gavin Newsom – an optional replacement.
The Governor of California, 56 years of age, was observed on Thursday night in the spin room, downplaying any alternative contenders to Biden for the nominee, terming it as “baseless conjecture”. Last year, he participated in a mainstage debate with Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, pointing towards a potential future presidential face-off. He is noted for endorsing Democrats in elections outside California, appearing at times to be conducting an unofficial campaign for the Presidency.
J B Pritzker, at the age of 59, happens to be amongst the most affluent contenders for the position. The Governor of Illinois stands out for having instituted the right to abortion in Illinois, making it a “safe haven” for women seeking to undergo this procedure. His strong stance on gun control along with the legalisation of recreational marijuana is also noteworthy.
The Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, aged 52, made the shortlist as Biden’s potential vice-presidential candidate in 2020. Her tenure saw a considerable impact on the Democratic Party’s impressive showing in the midterms. She has advocated for more stringent gun laws, an end to abortion prohibitions, and the support of universal preschool.
Sherrod Brown, at 71 years of age, would be the eldest of the alternative selections, but still seven years the junior of Trump. It was unexpected when he did not pursue the Democratic nomination for 2020, asserting at the time that his best contributions could be made as Ohio’s senator, speaking up for the working class. A passionate advocate for labour rights and safeguards, he has voiced support for IVF and abortion.
Dean Phillips, a contestant in the Democratic primaries earlier this year, gathered some followers but could not secure party-wide appeal as he failed to win any contests. The Minnesota Congressman is therefore unlikely to emerge as a significant contender in the event that Biden steps down.