There are now growing calls for President Joe Biden to drop his 2024 presidential bid, with sources even saying that he might come up with a drop-out declaration this weekend. These speculations were after the unpromising debate performance and uncertainty over his health condition and age, more so following his recent diagnosis with COVID-19.
Biden resignation may come very soon, sooner than expected with mounting pressure from his party mates.
Although Biden himself, said he would only step down from the electoral race if and only if he had an emergency health condition. Even though his recent diagnosis of COVID-19 isn’t helping his political campaign in the eyes of the Democratic camp and voters.
Upcoming elections
US Presidential Elections are slated to take place on November 5, 2024. The probable retirement of Biden will dramatically change things for the Democratic Party at this stage, as he happens to be the party’s nominee at this point.
Time left in office
Biden has roughly five months left on the term, which ends January 20, 2025. If he were to resign, Vice President Kamala Harris would, at least on paper, seem the heir apparent — though other names, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom have been bandied about. It would be left to the Democratic National Committee to attempt to slide in thousands of delegates, all while potentially fielding a new slate of candidates if Biden officially exits the race.
Any potential decision of resignation by Joe Biden from the 2024 presidential election would greatly alter the dynamics, which give the Democratic Party a good chance of winning the elections.
Internal party dynamics
There is growing discontent among Democrats, as 22 congressional members push Biden to withdraw on the grounds of his age and health. Even influential leaders like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi have revealed that they don’t really agree with Biden’s candidacy; it will help the party’s prospects against the Republicans in upcoming elections.
Impact on voter sentiment
Most of the polling puts Vice President Kamala Harris in grace with Democrats, which makes her a very potent alternative if Biden were to stand down. Then there is the sense that a new face would revive party appeal, particularly to young voters who are turning a bit alien to the administration headed by Biden.
Challenges on ground
If Biden were to resign, the Democratic National Committee would be left with the painful decision of how to replace him on the ballot. Party rules allow for his replacement only if Biden were to resign voluntarily prior to the final nomination process in early August. The tight timeline involved creates huge logistical problems for the party to quickly rally around a new candidate.
Today’s trends would dramatically change with a Biden withdrawal from the race, very much depending on the recent shifts in voter sentiment.
Polling shifts
Recent polls have indicated that Donald Trump has gained momentum, crossing the magical 50% in approval ratings, while Biden’s support has been eroded, with many Democrats yearning for a new candidate. In a surprise development reflecting growing unease within the party, a CNN poll reveals that three out of four Democratic voters now wish that Joe Biden was out of the race.
Kamala Harris as his possible successor
Had Biden resigned, then the Democratic nominee would have been none other than the Vice President, Kamala Harris. According to polling, upon elevation, she would change the storyline of the campaign and hence attract more young voters who turned their backs on leadership under Biden. Harris is better positioned to engage in progressive issues and connect with the electorate since her polls seem more promising than where Biden currently stands.
After-effect and implications on the Democratic Party
The time is ripe for the Democratic Party. A difference that people can believe in and one which stands in most vivid contrast to that of Trump – because of different leadership – may renew the party image if Harris can put across such. This transition needs to be done very carefully to retain party unity and not result in further fragmentation.
