US President Joe Biden’s poor performance in the presidential debate against challenger Donald Trump has sparked questions about the possibility of him stepping down as the Democratic Party’s nominee at the last minute. Such an unprecedented political shift in modern American election history raises numerous questions. This guide explores the process and implications of replacing Biden if he were to step down.
Designation of a Formal Nominee
- Nominating Convention: Delegates from all 50 states attend their party’s summer nominating convention to officially nominate a candidate based on primary voting results.
- Primary Votes: Biden overwhelmingly won the primary votes. The approximately 3,900 delegates heading to the convention in Chicago this August are committed to him.
Process of Replacement
- Scenario of Biden Exiting: If Biden steps down, the delegates would need to find a replacement. This process would harken back to the days when party bosses selected nominees through backroom deals and multiple rounds of voting.
- Historical Precedent: In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson announced he would not seek reelection amidst the Vietnam War. This led to a political crisis at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, with protests and internal party conflicts.
- Modern Convention Dynamics: Since the 1968 debacle, states have widely embraced the primary process, making conventions more predictable as outcomes are determined by primary results.
Official Nomination Replacement Procedure
- Post-Nomination Step-Down: If a candidate steps down after being officially nominated, the party’s formal governing body (the Democratic National Committee or the Republican National Committee) would nominate a new candidate in an extraordinary session.
Current Democratic Party Stance
- Unified Support: The Democratic Party has publicly shown strong support for Biden. Notable figures, including former President Barack Obama, have defended him.
- Official Statements: Campaign communication director Michael Tyler stated there have been “no conversations” about Biden stepping aside.
Potential Replacements
- Vice President Kamala Harris: Harris is a natural, though not automatic, choice to replace Biden. She defended Biden after the debate, acknowledging his slow start but strong finish.
- Other Candidates: Governors Gavin Newsom (California), Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), and Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania) are potential candidates.
Third-Party Candidates
- Lack of Strong Contenders: No independent candidate currently poses a significant threat to the two-party system.
- Historical Example: In 1992, Ross Perot, running as an independent, won nearly 19% of the popular vote but failed to secure any Electoral College votes, which ultimately decide the winner.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What has sparked questions about Biden potentially stepping down as the Democratic Party’s nominee?
- A. His age
- B. His performance in the presidential debate
- C. Health issues
- D. Lack of primary votes
- How are the party’s delegates designated to nominate a candidate?
- A. Through a public vote
- B. By party bosses in private meetings
- C. Based on primary voting results
- D. By the incumbent president
- What would happen if Biden steps down after being officially nominated?
- A. A new primary election would be held
- B. The party’s formal governing body would nominate a new candidate
- C. The runner-up in the primaries would automatically become the nominee
- D. The election would be postponed
- Who is a natural but not automatic choice to replace Biden?
- A. Former President Barack Obama
- B. Vice President Kamala Harris
- C. Governor Gavin Newsom
- D. Governor Gretchen Whitmer
- Why did Ross Perot fail to win the 1992 presidential election despite a significant popular vote?
- A. He withdrew from the race
- B. He did not receive any Electoral College votes
- C. He did not participate in the debates
- D. He lacked campaign funds