President Joe Biden’s shocking announcement to drop out of the race for president and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris has thrown the Democratic Party into uncharted territory. With just a month to go before the Democratic National Convention, the path forward is uncertain.
The last time an incumbent US president abandoned their campaign for re-election was in 1968, making the process of nominating a new candidate so close to Election Day unclear. President Biden had already secured a significant number of pledged delegates, but with his endorsement of Harris, those delegates are no longer bound to him.
This could potentially lead to an open convention, where delegates would be free to vote for multiple candidates if they emerge. Candidates would need signatures from at least 300 delegates to appear on the ballot, with an initial round of voting among the pledged delegates followed by additional rounds if no candidate receives a majority.
As speculation grows about potential challengers to Harris, names like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro have been mentioned. These candidates could also be considered for the role of vice president if Harris ultimately secures the nomination.
With the Democratic National Convention scheduled to begin on August 19, all eyes are on the party as they navigate this unexpected turn of events. Stay tuned for updates as the situation continues to unfold.
