Biden's Unexpected Exit: What Comes Next for the Democratic Party?

President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. This decision has opened up the possibility of a competitive race among Democratic candidates. Experts weigh in on the implications and potential processes for selecting the new nominee.

President Joe Biden announced on Sunday his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election race, thrusting the United States into uncharted political territory.

Biden has chosen to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming election. Ahead of Biden's decision, Reuters interviewed Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a Democratic National Committee member, who shared insights on the potential outcomes.

Biden, who has amassed nearly 4,000 Democratic delegates through primary wins, is releasing his delegates, potentially igniting competition among other Democratic hopefuls. Candidates such as Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have been suggested as possible nominees.

The nomination process could turn into a heated contest between Democratic heavyweights. With 4,672 expected delegates in 2024, including 739 superdelegates, a candidate needs a majority to secure the nomination. If no consensus is reached, a brokered convention may ensue, where delegates act as free agents.

Additionally, the Biden-Harris campaign's $91 million fund is under scrutiny, with experts debating how the money would be allocated if Harris becomes the nominee, especially regarding legal stipulations around transferring campaign funds.

(With inputs from agencies.)