President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he is withdrawing from the 2024 US presidential race, leaving the Democratic nomination wide open just four months before the November election against Republican nominee Donald Trump.
What happens next
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” said Biden.
The President said he will be speaking to the nation “later this week in more detail about my decision”.
In his announcement, Biden expressed his intention to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Biden’s announcement to withdraw marks a significant turning point in the US political landscape.
What happens next
- Notification and confirmation: President Biden would formally notify the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and other relevant party officials of his decision to withdraw from the race. The DNC would confirm the withdrawal and begin the process of selecting a new candidate.
- Temporary Leadership: The DNC would appoint an interim chair or acting chair to manage the party’s operations and the selection process until a new candidate is chosen.
- Caucuses and Committees: The various Democratic caucuses and committees, such as the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Progressive Caucus, would likely convene to discuss and endorse a new candidate. These groups would also engage in discussions with potential candidates to gauge their support and willingness to run.
- Candidate Selection: The DNC would hold a series of meetings and discussions with party leaders, elected officials, and other stakeholders to determine the best candidate to replace Biden. The process would involve data analysis, polling, and direct conversations with potential candidates to assess their viability and appeal to the party’s base.
- Primary and Caucus Schedule: The DNC would adjust the primary and caucus schedule to accommodate the new candidate. This might involve rescheduling some events or modifying the order of the primaries to ensure a smooth transition.
Biden’s withdrawal opens up several possibilities for the Democratic Party:
- Harris as the nominee: By endorsing Kamala Harris, Biden is positioning her as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. This move could unify the party behind a single candidate, but it also raises questions about Harris’s ability to galvanise support, especially given her own challenges during the previous election cycle.
- Party dynamics: Biden’s exit may lead to a reshuffling of the Democratic primary landscape. Other potential candidates, such as Governor Gavin Newsom of California or former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, might consider entering the race, seeking to capitalise on the vacuum left by Biden’s departure.
- Voter sentiment: Biden’s exit may reflect broader voter sentiment within the Democratic base, which has been increasingly concerned about electability against a formidable opponent like Trump. The party will need to address these concerns to ensure a strong showing in the upcoming election.
In the coming weeks, several key developments are expected:
- Biden’s address: Biden plans to address the nation regarding his decision, which may provide further insights into his reasoning and future political plans. This could also be an opportunity for him to rally support for Harris and the Democratic agenda.
- Primary elections: As the Democratic Party prepares for the primaries, the focus will shift to how candidates position themselves in light of Biden’s departure. The dynamics of the race could change rapidly, depending on who officially enters the race and how they resonate with voters.
- Voter Engagement: Both parties will need to engage voters effectively. The Democrats must work to ensure that their base remains motivated and unified, while Republicans will seek to capitalize on any perceived weaknesses in the Democratic campaign.