(BrightPress.org) – President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race opens the door for an unexpected turn of events at the Democratic National Convention. Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris has set the stage, but the race is far from settled.
Time is tight. To get on the ballot in all 50 states, the Democrats need to start naming candidates by August 7th. Ohio’s deadline is the first. The Democratic National Convention begins August 19th, 12 days after Ohio’s cutoff. This timing discrepancy might bring back the traditional practice of delegates selecting their candidate directly on the convention floor.
Biden, 81, finally stepped down under pressure from fellow Democrats after a poor debate showing against Donald Trump on June 27th. Trump’s resilience, even after an assassination attempt, has boosted his standing in the polls.
So, what’s next?
An open convention could be on the horizon. According to the current Democratic National Committee (DNC) rule, delegates who were pledged to a presidential candidate are supposed to represent the preferences of the voters who chose them. However, now that Biden is no longer running, these delegates can vote for any candidate who enters the race.
Biden’s exit has allowed other Democratic hopefuls to lobby delegates before voting day. The DNC is expected to hold a virtual roll call to choose the nominee between August 1st and August 7th, initially seen as Biden’s coronation. Now, this vote could be postponed, giving more time for potential candidates to campaign.
Biden’s endorsement of Harris is significant, but not binding. The president even said delegates are free to choose anyone they want, despite predicting an open convention wouldn’t happen. Now that he’s out, all bets are off.
Delegates Are Democracy, a group founded by Democratic activists, is working to inform delegates of their options. Elaine Kamarck explained that the “in good conscience” rule has different interpretations, creating a loophole where delegates can technically vote for any Democratic candidate.
Any Democrat eligible for the presidency can run in an open convention scenario. No Democrats had come forward to run against Biden until he dropped out. Harris, with name recognition and existing campaign funds, seems well-positioned.
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