RICHMOND, Va. – President Joe Biden announced on Sunday, July 21, that he will end his reelection campaign. This decision follows weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats after a poor debate performance.
Now, the focus shifts to who will replace him on the November ticket and how this move will impact the Democrats this late in the campaign.
Larry Sabato from the UVA Center for Politics commented on the situation, stating, “It was becoming clear that President Biden was likely to lose badly in the electoral college. Any change, even this late, could help the Democrats. Donors were no longer willing to contribute big money, and senior Democratic officials made it clear they wouldn’t support Biden going forward.”
Biden was nearly tied with former President Donald Trump in Virginia polls, a state he won in 2020. This trend was seen in other states where Biden previously had strong leads.
Sabato noted that Biden’s exit might help local Democratic candidates in Virginia, including Sen. Tim Kaine in his reelection bid. He said, “This has no negative effect and could help Democrats now that Biden is out. This will likely benefit Tim Kaine and other Democratic candidates in competitive districts.”
The Democratic National Convention begins on August 19 in Chicago. Sabato believes Vice President Kamala Harris is likely to be the nominee, though an open convention remains possible. Harris expressed her desire to earn the nomination, and many political figures have endorsed her, though former President Barack Obama has not, hoping for an open nomination process.
Sabato mentioned that the Democratic ticket will now need a new VP nominee, likely from a key swing state. He suggested names like Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.
The situation is unprecedented, as the last sitting president to abandon a reelection bid was Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Democrats must finalize their nominee by September 6, with early voting starting September 20.
Sabato concluded, “Trump doesn’t know how to run against Kamala Harris, a multiracial woman. This will be interesting, as Trump’s team hoped Biden would remain the nominee.”