For some time now, there was a demand that President Joe Biden should not participate in the next election. There was a special reason behind this demand. Biden, who is over 80, looked confused. Many videos of his hand movements and lack of control over walking went viral. Meanwhile, the presidential debate made it clear that Biden is not really strong enough for the post. On Sunday, he himself said that he would withdraw from the candidature. Since then, Kamala Harris’s name has been included in the race, but it is being speculated that this could be quite difficult.
Has Harris been selected to run for president?
No. At present, Biden has definitely suggested Kamala’s name as his alternative, but this is not official. It is also visible that there are many other candidates who are considered important in the party. In fact, not just one or two but six names were being taken as alternatives. In the language of American elections, she is not even a presumptive nominee, that is, the one who is expected to be the frontrunner in the race. This is the term used for a person who has got majority in his party in the primary election.
Who can take the place left by Biden?
Harris is certainly the strongest contender, but there are many other faces on whom the party can bet. Most of these people have been big industrialists who have invested a lot of money in the party and have remained loyal. There are also many women who have become popular by raising issues like gun law and abortion.
Another thing is that Barack Obama, who has been the President for two terms, still has a strong hold within the party. In such a situation, it is also possible that if many people support such a candidate, they are from the Obama lobby. Let us tell you here that Obama has not said anything in support of Harris so far.
How will the new candidate be selected?
Biden’s support alone does not ensure that Harris will contest the presidential election. The candidate is chosen through a proper vote. This decision will be taken at the Democrats’ convention in Chicago next month. The party has a total of 3949 delegates. When Biden was in the race, he received 3886 votes.
What if there is no consensus on Harris or any other name?
This situation can also arise. If the votes are so divided that no one can get a majority, then after the August convention, there will be an open conference. In this, all the candidates will gather support in their favour. The one who has more people will be the official face of the party.
What is going to happen to the party fund raised by Biden?
Since Biden himself supported Harris, all the party funds raised for her can go to Kamala Harris’ campaign. However, if Harris does not get the presidential nomination, this amount can go to the Democratic National Committee. After this, the candidate will have to raise funds for himself from August to November.
How will voting take place in August
The members of the Democratic Party are divided into two groups. One is the general delegates. These 3,949 delegates will vote first. If even after this, there is no consensus on any name, then about 700 super delegates will also join the process. They will vote in the second round.
History has been mired in controversy
Many senior Democrats have maintained silence on Kamala’s name. This includes not only Barack Obama but also the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. She has openly praised Joe Biden, but has not said anything about Harris till now. It is also being speculated that Harris’s controversial history was the reason behind this.
Let us tell you that while being the Attorney General of California, she had made many controversial decisions, one of which was to punish parents who missed school. She has also been seen against transgenders many times. In such a situation, a large section of people remains angry with her.