Biden's Potential Exit: What It Means for the 2024 Election

The political landscape is abuzz with speculation as top Democrats reportedly believe that President Joe Biden will soon announce his decision to exit the 2024 presidential race. This development has been trickling out through various sources, preparing the public for the possibility that Biden may not be the Democratic nominee. Here’s a comprehensive look at the unfolding situation and its potential implications.

Key Takeaways

• Top Democrats believe Biden will exit the 2024 presidential race.
• Biden is not expected to resign the presidency or endorse another candidate.
• The Democratic National Convention in Chicago could be the first brokered convention since 1952.
• Kamala Harris is unlikely to be endorsed by Biden.
• The media and Democratic establishment are preparing for various outcomes, including a potential Trump victory.

Rising Pressure on Biden

Several top Democrats have privately indicated that the rising pressure from party leaders and close friends will likely persuade Biden to drop out of the presidential race. This sentiment has been echoed by credible sources, including a large account on social media platform X, which reported that Biden has already notified campaign officials of his decision to withdraw, with an official announcement expected before Sunday.

Despite his withdrawal from the race, Biden is not expected to resign the presidency or endorse another candidate, such as Vice President Kamala Harris. Instead, the Democratic National Convention in Chicago is anticipated to be a brokered convention, with potentially dozens of Democratic candidates vying for the nomination.

The Soft Landing Strategy

The gradual release of information seems to be a strategy to prepare the public for Biden’s potential exit. Initially, reports suggested that Biden was considering dropping out, followed by updates indicating that more Democrats were pressuring him to make this decision. This trickle of information aims to provide a soft landing for the public, easing them into the idea that Biden may not be the nominee.

Kamala Harris and the Open Convention

One of the most intriguing aspects of this development is the report that Biden will not endorse Kamala Harris and will instead support an open convention. This is significant because Harris has been positioned as a key figure in the Democratic Party for years. The lack of endorsement suggests that even within the party, there are doubts about her viability as a presidential candidate.

Media and Public Reaction

The media is likely to relish the prospect of an open convention, as it would generate significant viewership and engagement. Historically, brokered conventions have been rare, with the last one occurring in 1952. The uncertainty and drama surrounding the selection of a nominee would undoubtedly capture public interest.

The Bernie Sanders Factor

The Democratic establishment has previously taken steps to prevent candidates like Bernie Sanders from securing the nomination. In 2016, they colluded to ensure Sanders couldn’t win, and in 2020, they rallied moderate candidates to endorse Biden. The fear now is that an open convention could lead to a candidate like RFK Jr. gaining traction, which the establishment wants to avoid.

The Trump Factor

Many believe that regardless of who the Democratic nominee is, Donald Trump is poised to win the upcoming election. The media’s coverage often seems to be setting the stage for a Trump victory, perhaps as a way to say, “We told you so.” This narrative could also serve to undermine Kamala Harris, who is widely unpopular, by positioning her as a placeholder who will inevitably lose to Trump.

The Search for a Third Candidate

There is a growing sentiment among the American public that neither Biden nor Trump is a desirable candidate. Some voters are expressing a desire for a third option, someone who can offer a fresh perspective and break away from the polarizing figures of Biden and Trump. However, the time required to vet a new candidate is limited, making this a challenging proposition.

The Long Game

Some analysts believe that the Democratic Party is playing a long game, preparing for a future beyond the 2024 election. By allowing Biden to exit and potentially sacrificing the 2024 race, they may be setting the stage for a stronger candidate to emerge in 2028. This strategy could involve letting Trump win and then positioning a new Democratic leader to take over after his term.

Conclusion

The potential exit of Joe Biden from the 2024 presidential race is a significant development with far-reaching implications. From the possibility of a brokered convention to the media’s role in shaping public perception, the Democratic Party is navigating a complex and uncertain landscape. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the 2024 election is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and closely watched in recent history.