Staff Reports
The sudden announcement of President Joe Biden’s departure from his reelection bid sent proverbial shockwaves through the Democratic Party, shaking loose the kind of chaos usually reserved for a reality show finale. News broke on a Sunday, leading many Americans to wonder if the White House had hired new scriptwriters from Hollywood, given how unexpected and dramatic the scene was. Biden’s abrupt decision has made the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago, scheduled for August 19-22, a predictable circus, the likes of which haven’t been seen in nearly half a century.
In a post to X, Biden expressed that serving as President was the honor of his life. He claimed his intention was always to run again, but now believes stepping aside is best for both the party and the country. His announcement followed a bout of COVID-19, leaving many to speculate if he’s simply trying to escape the hot seat or if he’s orchestrating a grand exit fit for a longtime politician who is allergic to honesty. A self-proclaimed hero of the Democratic cause suddenly waving goodbye invited speculation, and the party finds itself scrambling for a suitable replacement faster than a cat at a dog show.
With Biden dropping out, what happens next? https://t.co/nkNgkGco07
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 22, 2024
One of the immediate aftermaths was Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, a move that has been described as both bold and desperate. The now-former candidate touted his choice of Harris in 2020 as his best decision, which might just be an argument for politics being a truly subjective field. The real conundrum lies in whether the party delegates, most of whom were under Biden’s thumb in a predictable primary, will feel as enamored with Harris as he does. With Chicago just around the corner, it looks like it could be one heck of a showdown.
Could Governor Gavin Newsom of California be the dark horse in this Democratic saga? Rumors have circulated for months, suggesting he’s been staging a shadow campaign—perhaps under the guise of being a supportive vice president. Newsom has made headlines by debating Florida’s Ron DeSantis, establishing a reputation as a viable contender. Should he choose to throw his hat in the ring, it’s easy to imagine party insiders holding their breath at the thought of a challenger who isn’t Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, a slew of potential contenders, including governors from across the nation, could also leap into the fray, making the convention more of a strategic battle than a unified front against the Republican nominee.
The stark contrast with the peaceful, orderly Republican conventions of yesteryears intensifies the drama of the Democratic National Convention. It recalls the unrest of 1968 more than anything resembling today’s smooth political transitions. With a simple majority of delegates needed to secure the nomination, Harris is faced with a potential free-for-all, which could turn the typically choreographed event into a battleground. The DNC’s plans for a virtual roll call are now in limbo, following the president’s decision. What was once a mere bureaucratic formality has morphed into a high-stakes showdown, leaving the DNC’s chairman scrambling to maintain a veneer of control.
As for the remaining debates, the impending presidential contest promises to be anything but dull. September’s debate was presumably set to feature Biden until he announced his withdrawal, leaving a gaping question mark in the air about who will show up on stage. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is sitting tight, keenly aware that the uncertainty within the Democratic camp could be their biggest blessing. These developments signal a burgeoning comedy of errors within the Democratic Party that could be the gift that keeps on giving as November approaches.
