When it comes to their 2024 presidential nominee, the Democratic Party lacks a clear Plan B for taking President Joe Biden’s place. After running unopposed for the position, Biden will get an official nomination later this summer. If a shift is necessary, Biden has three options: retire following the Democratic convention in Chicago in August, face a competitor who tries to win over his delegates, or move away before being selected. In the latter case, a new contender to challenge Donald Trump would be chosen by the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

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Potential situations

At the moment, Biden plays a major role in the process. Either he accepts to step down or a challenger drives him out. Biden hasn’t indicated a willingness to step down thus far, and no opponent has taken him on directly. Prominent aspirants to the presidency, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris, have opposed Joe Biden’s performance in the most recent debate and expressed strong support for Biden, as per the reports of Yahoo news.

What happens if Biden steps down?

Four thousand Democratic delegates that Biden has amassed are eligible to vote for a different candidate in the event that he stands down. It is up to these delegates to cast their votes independently of Biden. One possibility is that Biden will “release” his delegates, which would force other Democratic contenders to fight for the nomination.Though there isn’t a front-runner yet, many possibilities might succeed Biden. Despite her difficulties—including low polling—Harris would probably be a strong candidate. Newsom, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer are other candidates. Still, they are all in favor of Biden’s candidacy at the moment, as per the reports of Yahoo News.Also Read: The Flash 2: Is it finally happening? Here’s what we know about the sequel

Selecting a Candidate

Democratic heavyweights would compete for the nomination if Biden stepped aside. To be nominated, a candidate needs the signatures of 600 convention delegates. A “brokered convention” would take place in which delegates bargain to choose a nominee if no one receives a majority. There may be multiple voting rounds in this process. Democrats held their last brokered convention in 1952.

After-convention situation

If Biden resigns following the convention in August, the 435 DNC members will select a new nominee. These lawmakers would meet in a special session, representing different constituency groups. A minimum number of DNC members, as decided by the DNC Rules Committee, must endorse a candidate. Depending on when Election Day, November 5, falls, voting may take place virtually or in person.

FAQs:

What happens if Joe Biden decides to step down?
His nearly 4,000 delegates could vote for another candidate, potentially leading to a competition among Democrats for the nomination.

Who are potential candidates to replace Joe Biden?
Possible replacements include Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, Andy Beshear, and Gretchen Whitmer, all currently supporting Biden’s campaign