Can Joe Biden Be Replaced as the Democratic Nominee? Exploring the Possibilities and Challenges
Understanding the Complexities and Challenges of Replacing a Sitting President as the Democratic Nominee
Within minutes of last night's debate's conclusion, Democratic talking heads, strategists, congressmen, and voters asked, "Can we replace Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee?"
While some may want Joe Biden removed from the ballot and replaced ahead of the November elections, that's highly unlikely. Here's why.
How Is the Democratic Nominee Selected & Can Joe Biden Withdraw?
The Democratic Party's nominee is officially chosen at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), where a candidate must win the majority of delegates.
This year, Biden secured nearly 99% of the delegates, making it almost impossible to replace him without his consent.
According to DNC rules, these delegates are pledged to Biden and are bound to support his nomination unless he chooses to step aside. So far, Biden has not indicated that stepping aside is an option, and there's no serious effort within the party to push him out.
Could Kamala Harris Replace Joe Biden as the Democratic Nominee?
No. If Biden were to step down as President, Kamala Harris would become the President of the United States.
However, this does not make her the Democratic Party's nominee. If Biden withdraws from the re-election race while still in office, the selection of a new nominee would be open to any qualified Democrat who can secure the majority of delegates.
Despite being the sitting Vice President, Harris would have no automatic claim to the nomination and would have to campaign for delegates like any other candidate.
Is It Possible to Force Joe Biden Out as the Nominee?
This is highly unlikely. Historically, major national parties have not conducted a hostile takeover of the nomination, and there's no mechanism for forcibly replacing a nominee before the convention without their consent.
While DNC rules allow delegates to reflect the sentiments of those who elected them, large-scale defection from Biden's delegates seems improbable given their loyalty.
Could There Be a Convention Coup to Replace Biden?
Could this happen? Sure, anything is possible. That being said, an anti-Biden coup at the convention is highly unlikely. If Biden were to drop out before being formally nominated, it would create a free-for-all among Democrats since there's no mechanism for him or anyone else to anoint a chosen successor.
Being a pro-chaos guy myself, I would love to see this happen.
His delegates could vote as they pleased, leading to a contested convention in which candidates scramble to campaign aggressively to win over convention delegates.
Conclusion: Will Joe Biden Be Replaced as the Democratic Nominee?
I believe Joe Biden will be the nominee.
While many Democrats may want to see Biden removed from the ballot, and the chatter about replacing Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee may increase over the next few weeks, the reality is that the process is deeply entrenched in party rules and logistics that favor the incumbent nominee.
Unless Biden himself chooses to step aside, the Democratic Party is poised to move forward with him as their nominee for the upcoming election.
I agree with you mostly. There is a clause in DNC rules that allow delegates to “in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them,” an opening for the 4,000 or so delegates to switch their votes. But that would take quite the campaign with a voter base deeply loyal to the incumbent President and, likely, the Vice President. I suspect DNC lawyers are scrounging for scenarios by which they can change the rules if necessary, and in the meantime, find emissaries persuasive enough to get Biden to withdraw voluntarily. I know of no emissary who can achieve that. The Democrats made their bed, now they get to sleep in it.