Withdrawal of Joe Biden is Democrats’ last best hope

President’s shaky debate performance prompts concerns about what would happen if he steps aside as the Democrats’ pick

Gavin Newsom in the spin room following the debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday night. Picture: AFP

President Joe Biden’s performance in the first presidential debate on Thursday (Friday AEST) – in which he repeatedly appeared to lose his train of thought and sounded hoarse – has raised the question of what would happen if he were to step aside as the Democratic Party’s nominee.

Mr Biden has won more than enough delegates in party primaries this year to secure the nomination, and the 81-year-old President would need to exit from the race for any replacement to be possible before the November general election. If he were to quit the race, it could make for a particularly dramatic Democratic National Convention, complete with many rounds of voting and hotel lobby politics.

What happens if Biden stays in the race?

Since Mr Biden has enough delegates to win the nomination, if he stays in the race there is no path for another candidate to become the Democrat nominee.

What happens if Biden drops out?

If Mr Biden drops out of the race, the Democrats will nominate a new candidate at the convention, which takes place in Chicago in ­August.

How does that work?

All of the Biden delegates preparing to go to Chicago would become uncommitted delegates. Before the rise of primaries, this is how conventions worked: candidates had to convince delegates to vote for them.

The convention could become a campaign itself, likely to draw out divisions within the party.

The Biden delegates slated to support him in August were approved by the campaign, meaning they are likely loyal to the President. This could make them more likely to cast their vote for whichever candidate Mr Biden supports upon stepping down.

What about Harris?

Kamala Harris, 59, doesn’t automatically become the nominee just because she’s Vice-President – the delegates have already been selected, so she’s on the same footing as any other person.

Still, her status in the Democratic Party and her White House connections could make her a viable candidate, especially if Mr Biden gives her his endorsement.

Anyone else?

The Democratic Party has a host of political stars, including governors such as California’s Gavin Newsom, 56, Illinois’s 59-year-old JB Pritzker and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer, 52.

All have been vocal supporters of Mr Biden’s campaign.

What if Biden drops out after the convention?

Once the convention ends, for the Democrats to choose a new candidate, Democratic Party chairman Jaime Harrison would need to consult with the Democrat governors and members of congress before filling the vacancy.

The Wall Street Journal