President Kamala Harris: how it could happen if Biden quits


Published: 3 months ago

Reading time: 3 minutes

Biden is facing more pressure to get out of the race

President Kamala Harris: What Could Happen If Biden Steps Down

As more Democrats advocate for sidelining President Joe Biden from the upcoming presidential race, attention is shifting to who might succeed him. Polls and public sentiment strongly favor Biden's running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, as the likely frontrunner. But what would the transition entail, and what would it mean for her candidacy?

If Biden Resigns

Should President Biden choose to address the concerns within the Democratic Party about his electability and ultimately resign, Vice President Harris would immediately ascend to the presidency. This transition is clearly outlined in the U.S. Constitution, making her the first woman and the first individual of African American and South Asian descent to hold the office. Harris would then lead the nation until at least January 20, 2025, when the next president is sworn in.

Taking on the role of president now would not inhibit Harris from seeking a full term in the upcoming election, but she would need the Democratic Party to nominate her to run. As president, she would be campaigning from a position of power, benefiting from heightened media coverage surrounding her historic presidency as well as standard election reporting.

If Biden Exits the Race

In the event that President Biden decides to withdraw from his bid for a second term, Kamala Harris is poised to become the leading Democratic candidate for the 2024 election. She would then campaign against Donald Trump and strive to secure enough votes in November for victory. This scenario would allow her to leverage her current role as Vice President, highlighting her experience and accomplishments in office.

Will Biden Withdraw?

Biden's recent COVID diagnosis and public appearances, characterized by concerns over his health, have raised doubts about his ability to continue in office. His shaky debate performance against Donald Trump and a series of verbal missteps have not helped his image. Notably, influential Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama, are reportedly encouraging Biden to consider passing the torch to a new candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month. Meanwhile, Trump’s popularity continues to rise, fueled by recent events, including an assassination attempt and his focus on national unity at the Republican National Convention.

Can President Kamala Harris Serve More Than Two Terms?

If Vice President Kamala Harris assumes the presidency now, she would still be eligible to serve two full terms of her own. According to the 22nd Amendment, a president serving less than two years of a predecessor’s term can run for two additional terms. This means that Harris could potentially remain in office for nearly ten years if she secures victories in both the 2024 and 2028 elections. However, if she remains as Biden's vice president and he exits the race in her favor, she would then only be eligible for two terms.


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