DNC rules offer a way forward in the event that Biden steps down, while the Biden team believes there isn't a viable replacement.
The Democratic National Committee is disseminating talking points that falsely imply, according to some sources, that there is no formal way to replace the president at the top of the party's ticket without outlining the next steps in his absence. This is happening while President Joe Biden's campaign tries to reassure uneasy Democrats.
According to a copy given by a source who received them, the talking points stated, "Joe Biden will be the Democratic Party's nominee for president." "Any other discussion is 'brokered' conventions are no longer an attention-grabber."
They go on, "Joe Biden is the only candidate who is qualified for nomination."
Up until the party's August convention finishes, the "DNC Talking Points for Convention Nomination Rules" that are circulating within the party are largely correct, and Biden has been adamant that he would remain in the race.
However, in accordance with the DNC's 2022 convention guidelines and three individuals who are acquainted with the party's current regulations, there is a framework in place for Biden's replacement should he willingly decide to step down following the convention's completion on August 22.
The current procedure calls for Democratic Governors Association Chair Tim Walz of Minnesota, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, and Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie Harrison to meet with them before appointing a new nominee. The DNC members, a smaller and more elite group of party leaders than the convention attendees, would be asked to ratify or reject their pick.
It is anticipated that his nomination will take place earlier, in late July or early August, during a virtual roll call of state delegations. The rules committee of the convention is anticipated to decide on a date for that during a meeting on July 19.
According to a person with knowledge of the DNC procedure, the Biden campaign wants everyone to believe that "chaos would reign" if the president were to stand down. "That's the reason they won't acknowledge the rule exists."
In a state ripe for conflict, a Democratic worker referred to the talking points as "beyond f----ed up."
It is not us who do this, but rather the MAGA Republicans. DNC needs to take action, the source stated.
“After the primaries, it was evident to Democratic voters in every state that Joe Biden would be the Democratic Party's nominee for president. A statement from Harrison stated, "Delegates are pledged to reflect the sentiment of voters, and over 99% of delegates are already pledged to Joe Biden heading into our convention."
A request for comment was not immediately answered by the Biden campaign.
Ever since his disastrous debate performance on Thursday, in which he repeatedly faltered to present persuasive arguments and frequently appeared disoriented, Democrats have been deeply concerned about Biden's suitability for the top spot on their ticket. A few of them have demanded that Biden resign in order to maintain or increase their prospects of winning majorities in the House and Senate and defeating former President Donald Trump.
Most Democratic insiders say it is difficult to see how anyone other than Vice President Kamala Harris would end up as the nominee if it is not Biden. This is due to rules set forth by the Federal Election Commission regarding how money can be transferred if there is a substitute candidate, rules imposed by the Democratic National Committee, and the political optics of a fight that would jeopardize support from Black voters and women.
The authority to select the party's nominee rests with several thousand chosen convention delegates, nearly all of whom have already committed to Biden.
"Because there was no primary opponent, the overwhelming majority of the elected delegates are Biden delegates ... so on the first ballot he would be the nominee," said an official with the DNC. However, this member stated that if Biden withheld the nomination after accepting it, then that would be different.
"In the case of that historic moment, the members of the DNC will choose the nominee for the party," the member of the DNC stated.
Additionally, following the nomination via a virtual roll call, the convention delegates still have the authority to alter the rules.
If Biden is nominated via the virtual roll call, releases his delegates before to the convention, and Harrison uses the rule, "it all could make for a more orderly convention."
However, there's a danger that it will backfire with party members who thought an open convention was a better idea.
"You could contend that you also don't want a coordination at this time because it might backfire later," the person stated.
Experts in campaign finance law predict that since Harris is Biden's running mate and appears as such in FEC filings, Biden's campaign war chest may be moved to her. However, it would probably be necessary for every other contender to raise fresh funds for their campaign.
Further issues arose for any scenario in which Biden was not the nominee: The printing of ballots is governed by 50 state rules, and it can be challenging to add a new candidate to some of those ballots.
Nevertheless, the Biden campaign and its supporters are openly claiming that Biden is the only contender who can carry the party's flag in November because they are worried enough about division within the party.
In recent interviews, a few well-known Democrats have highlighted Biden and Harris as the two candidates on the ticket and hinted that the vice president would run for the party's presidential nomination.
After the debate, Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., whose endorsement fueled Biden's momentum among Black voters in the 2020 primary, declared, "I'm a Biden-Harris person, so I'm not getting away from that." For Biden-Harris, I vote. If Biden is not present, I will support Biden; if Biden is not present, I will support Harris."
