Can the Democratic Party actually ditch President Joe Biden as their nominee? Until recently, this scenario was the subject of idle speculation and conspiracy theories, with some pundits whispering about a behind-the-scenes plot to oust Biden. However, in recent days, rumblings of discontent within the party’s rank-and-file have taken on a more concrete form. Despite initial hesitation, whispers of dissatisfaction with Biden’s candidacy are becoming louder, particularly among his peers and former associates.
Behind the scenes, key party players are grappling with the logistics of making a change. Legally, swapping Biden out with another candidate could raise complications related to ballot access, although any challenges to a new nominee’s right to be on the ballot are likely to fail. In terms of campaign finance, transferring Biden’s war chest to a new nominee would be tricky but not insurmountable, given the flexibility allowed by federal campaign finance laws.
The real sticking point, however, lies with the Democratic Party’s convention delegates, set to convene in Chicago later this month. As the ultimate decision-makers in nominating the party’s standard-bearer, they could choose to revolt against Biden if they so desire, particularly if he refuses to withdraw or demonstrates continued declines in mental or physical capacity.
If this unlikely scenario unfolds, Biden could find himself isolated and forced to accept the consequences of his own electoral woes. Delegates might begin to desert him en masse, either before or after the convention, sparking a crisis within the party’s hierarchy. Alternatively, they might opt for a surprise candidate, “dark horse” nominee who rallies disparate factions and emerges victorious after a prolonged convention struggle.
The uncertainty surrounding the process of replacing Biden at the convention’s podium has triggered whispers of trepidation within Democratic ranks, mindful of the unpredictable outcome. Any departure from tradition, once seen as unthinkable, is now regarded as a possibility – one that would re-write the very fabric of party politics and re-draw the rules for a post-convention America.
