The Unexpected Exit: Joe Biden Drops Out of the 2024 Presidential Race – What Happens Next?

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Breakdown:

  1. Introduction
    • Announcement of Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
    • Brief overview of the implications and significance of this unprecedented move.
  2. Immediate Aftermath: Biden’s Endorsement
    • Biden’s support for VP Kamala Harris to take over.
    • Explanation that Biden’s endorsement does not guarantee Harris will be the nominee.
  3. Delegate Dynamics
    • Rule 13J of the DNC and its implications for delegates.
    • Explanation of delegates becoming “free agents” after Biden’s withdrawal.
    • Overview of the delegate system and the numbers involved.
  4. Two Potential Scenarios
    • Option A: Unified Support for Kamala Harris
      • The Democratic Party rallies around Harris.
      • The process of delegates uniting to select her as the nominee.
    • Option B: Open Contested Convention
      • Description of a contested convention and how it functions.
      • Potential for a mini primary with various contenders vying for delegate support.
      • Leaders like Nancy Pelosi advocating for an open contest.
  5. How the Delegate Process Works
    • Breakdown of delegate numbers: approximately 4,500 total, 3,900 pledged delegates.
    • Required number of pledged delegates for a first-round win (around 1,950).
    • Explanation of the second round and the role of superdelegates (majority of over 2,200 delegates needed).
  6. Kamala Harris’s Campaign Strategy
    • Harris and her team’s efforts to secure delegate support.
    • Role of governors and party leaders in the support process.
    • Importance of the next crucial week in the campaign.
  7. Financial Considerations
    • Biden-Harris ticket fundraising: over $90 million raised.
    • Allocation of funds if Harris becomes the nominee.
    • Potential return of funds or transfer to Biden’s federal super PAC if Harris is not chosen.
    • Immediate fundraising success post-announcement ($5 million in one hour).
  8. The Democratic National Convention
    • Scheduled for August 19th in Chicago.
    • Possibility of DNC rule changes at any time.
    • Harris’s need to choose a VP if she becomes the nominee.
    • Speculation on potential VP picks, such as Senator Mark Kelly.
  9. Uncharted Territory
    • Historical context: no sitting president has dropped out this close to an election.
    • Expected Republican response: legal challenges and lawsuits from DJT and the GOP.
    • Potential ramifications and the uncertainty of the process.
  10. Conclusion
    • Recap of the situation and the immediate steps the Democratic Party must take.
    • Reflection on the unprecedented nature of Biden’s withdrawal and its impact on the 2024 election.
    • Anticipation of the unfolding political drama and its implications for both parties.

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