Ok what I really need right now is a no-bullshit, non-hysterical breakdown of our options for Dem president candidate this November. No sense in bed wetting or pointing fingers. What is the precedent. I’m sure somebody smarter than me has written the definitive guide so please link me to it, thx 🙏🏻
IMO it's Biden or Harris. That's pretty much it. Any other candidate would fracture the party (and it's not clear anyone good actually wants to take it over), plus Harris is the only one who can legally access Biden's campaign war chest.
I can't give you a full breakdown but what I can say with some confidence is that campaign finance laws prevent money raised directly by the Biden/Harris ticket from being used on the race unless it's on behalf of Biden or Harris.
Biden.
Someone posted about campaign funds, that's true. But it's moot unless Biden voluntary steps aside. Conventions do not work the way they did prior to 1972. After the 1968 Convention, the DNC formed the McGovern-Fraser Commission to reform the nominating process.
After that, delegates were no longer chosen by state and local party bosses, but were picked based on support of a primary candidate, and bound by the rules to vote for that candidate. Now, they are still nominally selected by other supporters of that candidate.
But the candidate has control over the delegates and can veto any proposed delegate/delegate candidate, and the rules still require them to vote based on their pledge.
AND in 2024, the actual vote on the nomination won't take place at the Convention in Chicago.
Rather, it will be sometime before August 7 (probably later this month) to meet the ballot deadline in Ohio. The rollcall will be virtual, and spread over 50 states (plus DC, PR, etc.)
And even if the mechanics worked out for anyone else (and then, it really only works for Harris, either as VP or as the incumbent President), a campaign where the other side has forced the President to not stand for re-election (or to resign) is just terrible in terms of the public messaging.
Harris is the only other option who has been sufficiently vetted on the national stage. Plus, turnout is so crucial in such a close election. Shoving Harris out of the way would have a devastating effect on African-American turnout.
There are two scenarios. One, Biden does not step aside and reminds the candidate. Two, Biden does step aside and in that situation, he will undoubtably pass along his campaign funds and endorsement to Harris. Likely with the support of Obama, Pelosi, Clayton, Jefferies and Schumer.
