Who will replace Biden in democratic presidential race?

World

Published: 2024-07-21 21:22

Last Updated: 2024-07-21 21:28


Joe Biden
Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday his withdrawal from the upcoming presidential election in a brief statement posted on his X account.

He added that he would address the nation later this week regarding his decision, explaining that he would focus on fulfilling his presidential duties until the end of his term.


Read more: President Joe Biden drops out from presidential race


The announcement comes more than three weeks after Biden's performance in a debate against his Republican rival Donald Trump, which was described as "catastrophic," leading to calls from Democrats for his withdrawal from the race.

For months, Biden has shown signs of concentration and memory issues during public speeches, raising doubts about his ability to run for a second term.

- What happens now? -

Given the current state of the US, Biden stepped down before being officially nominated by the Democratic Party for the upcoming election.

Since Biden voluntarily exited the race, over 3,900 Democratic delegates will cast their first vote, potentially allowing one candidate to secure a majority. If no candidate achieves a majority in the first ballot, over 700 "superdelegates" are allowed to vote.

According to circulated information, it is likely that the Democratic Party may choose current Vice President Kamala Harris as Biden's replacement.

If the Democratic Party opts for Vice President Kamala Harris as its presidential candidate, it will be taking a historic gamble. There are doubts about whether a Black woman can overcome racism, sexism, and her political mistakes to defeat Republican Donald Trump.

In more than two centuries of democracy, American voters have only elected one Black president and never elected a woman. This record causes even some Black voters to question whether Harris can break through the highest glass ceiling in American politics.

The Democratic Party's convention to select the presidential candidate is scheduled to be held from August 19 to 22 in Chicago.

In a race against time, top-level Democrats are seeking an alternative to Biden for the upcoming election, especially given the fierce competition from Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Former President Barack Obama expressed concerns about Biden's candidacy in private sessions, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also warned Biden in private that Democrats might lose control of the House if he doesn't withdraw from the race.