What if Biden or Trump betrayed their base?

Our Failing Democracy: The 2024 Presidential Circus

The recent debate performance of President Joe Biden has left many in the Democratic Party shaken. Despite his defiant words in Raleigh, NC, the next day, the fact remains that an 81-year-old white man is leading our party into the 2024 election. Yes, Biden is better than Trump, but is that really saying much?

Speaking of Trump, the GOP is facing its own set of problems. Their savior, the orange-hued deity they worship, is 78 years old and facing a 34-count felony conviction. What a pair we have to choose from in this so-called "democracy."

Here are some possible scenarios for how this train wreck of an election could play out:

Presumptive Nominees Stepping Aside

"When you get knocked down, you get back up!" - Joe Biden, trying to convince himself as much as his supporters.

Despite the panic within Democratic circles, it's unlikely that Biden will step aside. Party leaders like Barack Obama are standing by him, and unless a significant number of them publicly turn on him, he's here to stay.

The process to replace Biden would depend on timing. If he voluntarily steps down before the Democratic Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19-22, the delegates allocated during the primaries would choose his successor. Of course, we all know that Vice President Kamala Harris is the obvious choice, but even she might face competition from other ambitious Democrats.

On the Republican side, the chances of ousting Trump are even more remote, given the cult-like devotion he inspires. If he were to somehow be replaced, it would follow a similar process, but good luck finding a Republican with a spine to stand up to Trump and his followers.

Post-Convention Chaos

If Biden or Trump secures the nomination but has to leave the ticket before Election Day, the rules of succession come into play. For the Democrats, if Biden dies or becomes incapacitated, Harris becomes President. The Democratic National Committee would then choose the presidential nominee, likely Harris if she wants it.

The Republicans, as usual, have murkier rules. God forbid they ever find themselves in this situation, but if they do, expect chaos and probably some sort of sacrifice to the dark lord Reagan.

The Post-Election Shambles

If we manage to get through the election and something happens to the president-elect, things get even more complicated. If the winner dies before inauguration, the vice president-elect becomes president. But if the winner dies between the casting of electoral votes and Congress counts them on Jan. 6, even the National Archives and Records Administration is like, "lol idk."

So there you have it, folks. This is what our great nation has come to. A choice between two elderly men, one a convicted felon, and a whole lot of uncertainty. God bless America, I guess?

Marta Campabadal Graus contributed to this report.