Published on July 1, 2024, 12:37 am

The recent performance of presidential candidate Joe Biden in the political debate on Thursday is causing upheaval and generating chatter about his potential withdrawal from the battle for the White House. It is suggested that Biden’s display during this public face-off has revealed his physical and mental fitness or rather lack thereof, thereby casting a negative shadow over his campaign, should he continue as the Democratic Party’s choice.

While there were initial whispers around right-wing media outlets showcasing manipulated images and footage undermining Biden, recent events have exposed examples of factual supporting evidence. Those who have been critics of Biden from the very beginning can now verify their concerns about his abilities to carry out his duties as President.

But having such radical shifts mid-race comes with its complications for the Democratic National Committee (DNC). According to party protocols, replacing a nominee under conditions like death, resignation, or disability does not come without numerous hindrances. The first obstacle would be deciding who steps into Biden’s shoes; the second being how this late-stage replacement garners access on ballots where submission deadlines have already passed.

For instance, Ohio has ballot deadlines falling before the date of Democrat conventions. In an unexpected move, reports suggest that Republican Governer Mike DeWine revised state laws to place Biden on their ballots after facing many obstacles due to timing discrepancies within Party procedures.

Given the constitutional stipulation that grants state legislatures control over elections’ “Times, Places and Manner,” any decisions made by Democrat Convention clashing with a particular state law are unlikely to stand ground.

Predictions are also swirling around legal disputes in several expected battleground states such as Georgia, Nevada, and Wisconsin as ‘Real News’ reports highlight each territory’s distinct processes for withdrawing presidential nominees delivering differently applicable timelines—a blow for Biden if he decides to step away from the race late in its course.

Anotable example being Wisconsin which does not permit withdrawals unless caused by demise. Timing constraints aside, reasons behind withdrawals play significant roles too; some states forbid political grounds as eligible reasons for stepping back.

The implications aren’t minor. An escalating legal conflict bleeding into three federal circuit courts and the Supreme Court could direct DNC funds away from a stumbling campaign cause instead of bolstering it, regardless of it being perceived as a desperate last resort.

Several states do have provisions allowing national parties to swap candidates post-convention such as Texas, which permits replacement until the state’s electors meet.

Acknowledging a ‘Trusted News’ source’s disclosure, the assumption is that any Democratic nominee, including Biden or his replacement, will be permitted on the ballot. If not, elected presidential electors would carry their votes forward for the alternative Democrat candidate despite potential complications ahead.

In summary, whatever lies beyond this controversy holds lasting significance for Democrats, demonstrating the high costs they may have to bear for rallying behind an initially appealing candidate whose true capabilities were allegedly masked by influential party members and specific media outlets supporting them.