Biden Wants to Pass the Baton to Kamala Harris. What Happens Next?

ATLANTA (AP) — With the president Joe Biden ending his re-election bid and supporting the vice president Kamala HarrisDemocrats now face unprecedented change at this late stage of an election year.

Democrats are scheduled to hold their convention in Chicago from August 19-22. What was supposed to be a coronation for Biden is now becoming an open contest in which nearly 4,700 delegates will be tasked with choosing a new standard-bearer to challenge the Republicans. Donald Trump in autumn.

The path ahead is neither easy nor clear, even if Biden backs Harris. Questions remain about logistics, money and political fallout.

Can Biden Redirect His Delegates?

Biden won every state primary and caucuses earlier this year and lost only the territory of American Samoa. At least 3,896 delegates had pledged their support.

Current party rules do not allow Biden to pass on those funds to another candidate. Politically, however, his support is likely to have an influence.

What could happen at the convention?

With Biden’s withdrawal, Democrats are technically entering an open convention. But in reality, his endorsement pushes Democrats into murky territory.

Harris’ immediate task is to consolidate the support of nearly 4,000 delegates from states, territories and the District of Columbia, as well as more than 700 the so-called superdelegates Among them are party leaders, some elected officials and former presidents and vice-presidents.

Will anyone challenge Harris?

Even before Biden announced his decision, Democrats had floated California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as potential candidates in addition to Harris. Still, some Democrats have argued publicly, and many privately, that it would be a no-brainer to raise the bar for the presidency. first woman, first black woman and first person of South Asian descent to hold national office.

Given the importance of black voters — and black women in particular — to Biden’s nomination and his choice of Harris as his running mate, it would be risky, to say the least, for Democrats to pass her up in favor of a white candidate. Democrats already have a mental health problem to contend with. Historical headwinds before Biden withdraws. Newsom and Whitmer, both white, and any other Democrats would also have to weigh the short- and long-term benefits of challenging Harris now versus preserving goodwill for a future presidential primary.

Yet, whether fair or not, Harris was not considered a particularly well-liked or authorized vice-presidentThe best-case scenario for her and the Democrats would be to quickly consolidate their support and present a united front. The Democrats could even move forward with their plans to an early virtual vote – a move they had planned to ensure Biden was selected before the Ohio general election ballot deadline.

What Happens to Biden’s Campaign Money?

Biden’s campaign recently reported $91 million in cash on hand. Allied Democratic campaign committees put the total at his disposal at more than $240 million. Campaign finance experts generally agree that Harris could control all these funds since the campaign was launched in both her and Biden’s names. If Democrats nominate someone other than Harris, the party’s accounts could still benefit the candidate, but the Biden-Harris account would be subject to more restrictions. For example, legal experts say it could become an independent political action committee that handles spending, but not simply transfer its balance to another candidate.

How will a vice presidential nomination work?

The vice presidential nomination is always voted on separately at the convention. In routine years, the convention ratifies the nominee’s choice. If Harris closes ranks quickly, she could nominate her choice and have it ratified by the delegates. In a protracted contest, however, the vice presidency could become a bargaining chip—a throwback to the conventions of a bygone era.

Can Republicans Block Harris From Running in State Elections?

In this hyper-partisan era, the slightest mistake in a U.S. presidential campaign is bound to provoke a wave of state and federal lawsuits, and some conservatives have even threatened to do so.

However, state laws generally do not prescribe how parties choose their presidential candidates. And some GOP figures, such as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the governor of Alabama. Kay Ivey – have already worked this year to ensure that their party does not deny Democrats access to routine voting.