Why Joe Biden Pulled Out of US Presidential Race? What’s Next? Why Is India Closely Watching?

Joe Biden withdrawing his nomination from the US Presidential Election in November was highly predicted after his disastrous performance in the debate against former president Donald Trump, who is now the official presidential candidate for the Republican Party.

Even former President Barack Obama and former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had hinted at Biden’s exit from the race after several US Congressmen and Governors called for Biden to step down.

Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a top contender to replace Biden in the contest but it is still to be seen whether she will be the Presidential nomination or still be the Vice-Presidential nomination.

What Does Biden’s Move Mean For Elections?

Biden’s underwhelming performance in the presidential debate has predicted Trump’s re-election, and some said it could be a landslide. Biden’s health, age and fumbles had made it quite hard for the 81-year-old Democrat to lead up to the challenge.

In a letter to the nation, Biden didn’t elaborate on what thinking may have prompted his decision, saying only “And while it has been my intention to see reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."

According to a new poll of Michigan on Sunday, Trump was leading against Biden, 49% to 42%. The EPIC-MRA survey is for the Detroit Free Press, which reports that “Trump led in every region of the state, including in metro Detroit," where Biden beat Trump 56% to 40% in 2020.

What’s Next?

Although Biden backs Harris candidature for the President, but he cannot force the pledged candidates that he has accumulated to support a candidate chosen by him.

According to an article by The New York Times, while Biden’s endorsement “would count for something", the delegates are free to make their own choices. “Loyalty to Mr Biden, which runs deep, does not automatically extend beyond him. And there could be a floor fight over who would emerge as the nominee, highlighting already festering ideological divides in the party, and potentially weakening a future Democratic candidate heading into the fall campaign," The NYT explainer said.

How Will A Nominee Be Chosen?

According to Ballotpedia, there are expected to be some 4,672 delegates in 2024, including 3,933 pledged delegates and 739 so-called superdelegates — senior party members.

In order to secure the nomination, a candidate would need to get a majority – that is, more votes than all the others combined.

That’s what Harris’ allies are trying to do right now — secure the pledged support of 1,969 delegates, and shut down any competition.

If no one achieves that, then there would be a “brokered convention" where the delegates act as free agents and negotiate with the party leadership. Rules would be established and there would be roll-call votes for names placed into nomination.

The last brokered convention when Democrats failed to nominate a candidate on the first ballot was in 1952.

What About Kamala Harris?

While some Democrats argue that Harris is the only candidate who can challenge Trump, others are uncomfortable with the official coronation. Nancy Pelosi, who played a key role in persuading Biden to drop out of race, has shown interest in her nomination for the election.

Interestingly, no sitting President has ever dropped out the election race so late. So, Harris is in a truly unique position this time.

Also, the US elections are largely dependent on money, which comes through donors. And Biden pulling out of the race have garnered praises of donors.

The Democratic National Convention, where Biden would have been formally nominated for the White House by 3,939 delegates, will begin in Chicago on August 19. However, the Democratic Party does not even have until then to make up its mind. There is a rule in Ohio under which all candidates must be certified by November 7.

What It Means for India?

New Delhi is keenly watching the US Presidential Elections as both countries have a lot to give and take from each other. But in the last few months, the diplomatic ties between the US and India had faced some hiccups after allegations were levelled against India for the assassination bid against Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in the US and the India-Russia ties amidst the Ukraine war.

(With inputs from Reuters)

According to Ballotpedia, there are expected to be some 4,672 delegates in 2024, including 3,933 pledged delegates and 739 so-called superdelegates — senior party members.

In order to secure the nomination, a candidate would need to get a majority – that is, more votes than all the others combined.

That’s what Harris’ allies are trying to do right now — secure the pledged support of 1,969 delegates, and shut down any competition.

If no one achieves that, then there would be a “brokered convention" where the delegates act as free agents and negotiate with the party leadership. Rules would be established and there would be roll-call votes for names placed into nomination.

The last brokered convention when Democrats failed to nominate a candidate on the first ballot was in 1952.

What About Kamala Harris?

While some Democrats argue that Harris is the only candidate who can challenge Trump, others are uncomfortable with the official coronation. Nancy Pelosi, who played a key role in persuading Biden to drop out of race, has shown interest in her nomination for the election.

Interestingly, no sitting President has ever dropped out the election race so late. So, Harris is in a truly unique position this time.

Also, the US elections are largely dependent on money, which comes through donors. And Biden pulling out of the race have garnered praises of donors.

The Democratic National Convention, where Biden would have been formally nominated for the White House by 3,939 delegates, will begin in Chicago on August 19. However, the Democratic Party does not even have until then to make up its mind. There is a rule in Ohio under which all candidates must be certified by November 7.

What It Means for India?

New Delhi is keenly watching the US Presidential Elections as both countries have a lot to give and take from each other. But in the last few months, the diplomatic ties between the US and India had faced some hiccups after allegations were levelled against India for the assassination bid against Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in the US and the India-Russia ties amidst the Ukraine war.

(With inputs from Reuters)