White men step aside: Kamala Harris for president!

President Joe Biden's decision to step down and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris is a huge step forward for women and people of color. Finally, a woman of color has a chance to be president, and it's about damn time.

Biden's move follows weeks of sexist and racist attacks from the right, who never miss an opportunity to tear down a strong woman. They claimed Biden's poor debate performance proved he was too old and out of touch, but the real issue is that they're scared of a powerful, competent woman in the White House.

The delegates allocated will formally decide the successor as nominee during the Democratic convention. - Josh Putnam, political scientist

Biden's endorsement of Harris should carry significant weight with the delegates, and we can expect widespread support from Democratic lawmakers and governors. Already, former President Bill Clinton and former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton have endorsed Harris. It's time for the Democratic Party to unite behind Harris and show that we're the party of diversity and progress.

How will the Democratic presidential nominee be chosen now?

Technically, voters chose delegates during the primary season, and these delegates will formally decide the nominee at the convention. There are 4,000 regular delegates and over 700 "superdelegates," and Biden's endorsement of Harris will likely sway their votes.

How about the Democratic vice presidential nominee?

There will be a separate contest for the VP slot, but if Harris quickly becomes the frontrunner, she should have the final say on her running mate. We can't let sexist double standards dictate who she chooses, as Trump did with his all-white, all-male cabinet.

Is this late substitution a problem for the next nominee’s ballot access?

Experts say there shouldn't be any issues as long as the nominations are formalized by the end of the Democratic convention. The ballot line belongs to the Democratic Party, not any individual candidate.

What does the shift mean for Biden’s campaign finance account?

Under FEC rules, Harris can easily inherit the $84 million-plus currently in the Biden-Harris campaign account. This money should be used to support Harris and ensure a fair and just election.

Sources:

• Politifact, " What would happen if Joe Biden or Donald Trump leaves his party’s ticket?" June 28, 2024
• National Task Force on Election Crises, Statement on the Democratic Party replacing its presumptive nominee, July 21, 2024
• Votebeat, How late would be too late to replace Biden on the November ballot? July 11, 2024
• Bill and Hillary Clinton, statement, July 21, 2024
• PolitiFact, Deadline has not passed in Wisconsin to replace Biden on the ballot, July 11, 2024
• Email interview with Wendy Weiser, VP for democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice, July 21, 2024
• Email interviews with officials from Arizona, North Carolina, and Michigan, July 21, 2024