Kamala Harris Replacing Joe Biden on the Ticket Isn’t Antidemocratic
Jul 25, 2024
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Legal scholar Rick Hasen discusses the democratic process of Kamala Harris replacing Joe Biden as the nominee. GOP leaders' reactions are analyzed, debunking claims of it being anti-democratic. The history of party nominations and the complexities of candidate replacements are explored, emphasizing the democratic nature of such transitions.
President Biden's decision to withdraw from the race for the White House and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris stirred controversy, with Republicans arguing it as an affront to democracy. Legal scholar Rick Hasen dismissed these claims, stating that Biden was not the official nominee and replacing him did not violate election laws. Potential legal challenges were cited in Ohio and Washington states, but the process of officially selecting nominees varies by state.
Political implications and accusations of a coup
Republicans labeled Biden's withdrawal as a coup, insinuating collusion amongst Democratic leadership. This narrative aimed to undermine the legitimacy of the Democratic Party's decision. However, commentators like Greg Gutfeld and legal experts refuted these claims, emphasizing the voluntary nature of Biden's withdrawal and the party's adherence to their internal processes.
Evolution of party nomination process and campaign finance issues
The evolution of the party nomination process from smoke-filled rooms to a more democratic approach was highlighted, showcasing the shift towards party primaries and delegate systems. Additionally, discussions arose around campaign finance implications following Biden's withdrawal, particularly concerning the transfer of funds from joint Biden-Harris accounts to support Harris's candidacy, which sparked legal debates and Republican challenges.
Moments after President Biden withdrew from the presidential race on Sunday, GOP leaders rushed to tug at any loose threads in his withdrawal. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson threatened legal challenges to his withdrawal, calling it “unlawful,” and other GOP leaders like J.D. Vance referred to the move as a “coup” and “a threat to democracy.” For the midweek podcast, host Brooke Gladstone speaks with Rick Hasen, a legal scholar and law professor at UCLA, to break down how the arguments against the president’s withdrawal hold no legal legitimacy, why Kamala Harris’ ascension as likely nominee is an example of the democratic process working, not failing, and other narratives emerging from the GOP in response to Biden’s exit from the race.
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