What's happened
Following President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris is positioned to become the Democratic nominee. Biden's endorsement strengthens her candidacy, but she must secure delegate support ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the Washington Post, 'Top Democratic leaders rushed to endorse Vice President Harris on Sunday,' highlighting her significant advantages in the nomination race. Axios noted that 'there is no formal rule-based structure that transfers delegates,' indicating the complexities Harris faces in securing the nomination. The New York Times emphasized the unprecedented nature of Biden's withdrawal, stating, 'Never in the modern history of American politics has a candidate... abandoned his campaign so close to a national convention.' This reflects the chaotic environment as the DNC prepares for the convention.
How we got here
President Biden's unexpected exit from the race has triggered a rapid shift in the Democratic nomination process. With his endorsement, Harris is now the frontrunner, but the path to securing the necessary delegate votes remains complex and uncertain.
Common question
More on these topics
-
The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with its main rival, the Republican Party.
-
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
-
Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
-
Jaime R. Harrison is an American politician and former lobbyist. He served as the chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party from 2013 to 2017 and is an associate chairman of the Democratic National Committee.