Key Takeaways:
- President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 election, a historic move given the timing and context.
- Vice President Kamala Harris is now the leading candidate for the Democratic nomination.
- Harris faces challenges in the general election, and her choice of VP could be crucial.
President Joe Biden’s unexpected announcement that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. This unprecedented move, made late in the campaign, has set the stage for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. Here’s a detailed look at what this means for the upcoming election and what you can expect in the coming months.
Why Did Biden Withdraw?
Biden’s decision to pull out of the race is historic and highly unusual. The last president to withdraw so close to the election was Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. However, Biden’s situation is even more dramatic because he was on the verge of becoming the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party.
The timing of Biden’s withdrawal is crucial. With almost all delegates already secured for his campaign, it’s highly unusual for a major presidential candidate to step down this late in the race. Biden stated that stepping aside was in the best interest of his party and the country, but the move raises significant questions about the future of the Democratic campaign.
Kamala Harris: The New Front-Runner
With Biden out of the picture, Kamala Harris is now the clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. As Vice President, Harris is the natural successor and the only candidate who can legally claim Biden’s campaign funds. Despite this, there were several other prominent Democrats who might have been considered, including:
- Gavin Newsom: Governor of California
- Gretchen Whitmer: Governor of Michigan
- Josh Shapiro: Governor of Pennsylvania
However, because Biden dropped out so late in the campaign and because most senior Democrats have endorsed Harris, she is now overwhelmingly likely to be the nominee. She has gained support from key Democratic figures such as the Clintons, progressives like Ilhan Omar and AOC, and even potential rivals like Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer.
Harris’s Approval Ratings and Challenges
Kamala Harris’s approval ratings have been mixed compared to Biden’s. While Biden’s approval ratings have steadily declined, Harris’s ratings have also faced challenges. Currently, her net approval rating hovers around -12, while Biden’s is slightly better at -8.
Despite these numbers, Harris has shown some improvement in swing states. Polling suggests that she performs better than Biden in crucial battleground states like Pennsylvania and Virginia. This has given Democrats a glimmer of hope, especially as Harris’s entry into the race has unified the party and boosted fundraising efforts.
Harris’s Potential VP Picks
With Harris now the front-runner, her choice for a running mate will be critical. Several names are being discussed, each bringing different strengths to the table:
- Mark Kelly: Senator from Arizona
- Kelly, a former Navy officer and astronaut, could help secure Arizona, a state that has been trending more Democratic. However, his selection would trigger a special election for his Senate seat in 2026.
- Andy Beshear: Governor of Kentucky
- Beshear is unique as he governs a heavily Republican state. His success in Kentucky might appeal to Democrats in Appalachian regions and states like Ohio and Virginia. However, Kentucky’s strong Republican leanings might not shift significantly.
- Roy Cooper: Governor of North Carolina
- Cooper is popular in North Carolina, a state that has leaned Republican in recent years but remains competitive. His record of winning multiple statewide elections could make him a strong choice, though he had planned to retire after his governorship.
- Josh Shapiro: Governor of Pennsylvania
- Shapiro, who won by a significant margin in 2022, is a favorite due to Pennsylvania’s critical role in the 2024 election. His strong performance in the state could be a major asset for Harris.
What Does This Mean for the 2024 Election?
Biden’s withdrawal and Harris’s likely nomination create a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party. Harris’s candidacy will face significant challenges, including her public speaking skills and the potential for Republicans to use her California background against her. However, her fresh approach and focus on issues like abortion could resonate well with voters.
The Republicans will likely try to capitalize on these challenges, but Harris’s strong backing from Democratic elites and potential running mate choices could help her build a strong campaign. As we move closer to the election, it will be interesting to see how Harris navigates these challenges and whether her choice of VP can help solidify her position.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 election is a historic and dramatic development that has reshaped the political landscape. Kamala Harris, now the likely Democratic nominee, faces both opportunities and challenges as she prepares for the general election. Her choice of a running mate will play a crucial role in her campaign strategy. As the election season heats up, staying informed about these developments will be key to understanding the path to the White House.
For more updates and insights into the 2024 election, stay tuned as the political landscape continues to evolve.