President Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection bid and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris has thrown the Democratic Party into uncharted territory this late in an election year. The upcoming Democratic convention in Chicago, scheduled for Aug. 19-22, was initially expected to be a coronation for Biden but will now see nearly 4,700 delegates tasked with selecting a new candidate to challenge Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Despite Biden's endorsement of Harris, the path forward is filled with uncertainties. With Biden unable to redirect his pledged delegates due to current party rules, the convention starts as an open contest. Harris faces the challenge of securing support from a vast number of delegates, including superdelegates, to solidify her position as the potential nominee.
While some Democrats have mentioned California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as potential contenders, many believe that elevating Harris, the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to hold national office, would be a significant milestone. Passing her over for a white nominee could risk alienating crucial Black voters who played a pivotal role in Biden's nomination.
As the Democrats navigate this unexpected turn of events, questions arise about the fate of Biden's campaign funds, which amount to over $240 million. If Harris is not nominated, the funds could face restrictions on their use. Additionally, the vice presidential nomination, typically a separate convention vote, could become a bargaining chip in a prolonged contest.
Amidst the uncertainty, some conservatives have threatened legal challenges to keep Harris off state ballots, but state laws generally do not dictate how parties choose their presidential nominees. As the Democratic Party grapples with these challenges, the outcome of the convention and the future of the presidential race remain uncertain.
