Joe Biden's Departure and the Unserious Challenges to State Electoral Deadlines
Jul 24, 2024
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Political commentator Walter Olson discusses the serious challenges surrounding Joe Biden's departure from the presidential race, including legal threats over ballot replacements. The podcast delves into the complexities of state electoral deadlines, campaign finance laws, and the transition of support to Vice President Harris.
Republican concerns over Joe Biden's replacement on ballots led to threats of litigation, reflecting a focus on legal implications.
Democrats quickly rallied behind Vice President Harris after Biden's departure, showcasing unity and consensus in response to the situation.
Deep dives
Republican Response to Joe Biden's Departure
Despite Joe Biden's decision not to run for president, the Republican response appeared odd, focusing on financial repercussions and threats of legal action. The complaints from Donald Trump and others about preparation costs seemed disconnected from potential legal claims, reflecting a lack of substantial merit. Walter Olson dismissed many of the claims as baseless, emphasizing the unusual nature of the situation.
Democratic Nomination Process and Party Support
Following Joe Biden's departure, the Democratic Party swiftly rallied behind Vice President Harris, showcasing immediate consensus and unity among influential figures and state Democratic chairs. The behavior of potential rivals, like Senator Manchin, displayed a coordinated and cohesive shift towards endorsing Harris. This quick alignment highlighted a coordination problem where Harris emerged as the solution, despite not being everyone's first choice.
Legal and Campaign Finance Implications for Harris's Nomination
The podcast discusses potential legal complexities surrounding Kamala Harris's nomination, particularly in campaign finance laws. While some Republican lawyers raised concerns about fund usage from a Biden-Harris committee, Democratic lawyers viewed this differently. The issue appeared more as a minor hurdle rather than a significant obstacle, suggesting strategic solutions could address any perceived legal challenges effectively.
Republicans seem so concerned about Joe Biden's departure from the presidential race that some groups have threatened litigation over any Biden replacement on Americans' ballots. Walter Olson comments.