Article Summary –
The Democratic National Convention delegates hold the power to choose their party’s nominee for president, but in practice, they have not used independent authority for over 50 years. Despite President Biden’s debate performance and concerns about his age and cognitive ability, most delegates plan to nominate Biden, though some have started to consider Vice President Harris as an alternative. Doubts about Biden’s viability as the nominee have started to emerge among delegates, but most continue to support him, with several expressing concerns that talk of replacing him may harm the party’s chances of defeating Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Democratic National Convention: Uncertain Times for Delegates Amid Biden Concerns
The upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago is drawing thousands of delegates with the power to select their party’s presidential nominee. Yet, party delegates have not exercised independent authority for over half a century. Despite concerns about President Biden’s age and queries about his cognitive capacity following last week’s debate, most delegates still plan to support Biden.
However, concerns are mounting. Doubts are creeping in among delegates over Biden’s chances in the face of declining poll numbers and internal party division. Despite expressing unwavering support, a number of delegates admit to being apprehensive, some voicing a preference for Vice President Harris. All commit to voting for Biden unless he chooses to step aside.
These uncertainties risk casting a shadow over the convention, typically a prime-time rally kick-starting the fall campaign with enthusiastic support for the nominee. Delegates fear the debate around Biden’s fitness for office weakens the Democratic chances of defeating Donald Trump, regardless of the nominee.
As party unity begins to fracture after the debate, the Democratic party is taking action to ensure delegate loyalty. Measures include emails to activists and delegates from the Georgia Democratic Party cautioning them about interactions with the press and providing pro-Biden talking points. Despite this, some delegates see a need for Biden to demonstrate that the debate was just an off-night, watching closely his performance in the coming weeks.
Should Biden withdraw, an open convention could ensue. This scenario would lead to the presidential nominee being chosen on the fly through negotiations and bargaining, a situation unseen since the start of the modern primary system in the 1970s. However, some predict party leaders would quickly persuade delegates to rally around a single candidate: Kamala Harris.
Delegate loyalty to Biden remains strong for now. Most delegates continue to support Biden and hope he stays in the race. Nevertheless, some acknowledge they prefer Harris and would support her if the situation changed. There are concerns, however, that the mere discussion of replacing Biden is damaging the party’s chances against Trump.
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This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.