Biden’s Withdrawal Scrambles the Race – and Makes History
Newswise — With less than a month to go before the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden made the stunning announcement that he will not seek re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place on the Democratic ticket. This Outlook News Bulletin gathers UChicago experts who can put the developments in historical context and discuss what happens next, including the impact of a revamped ticket on the Democratic party and the trajectory of the election. As always, reporters can find scholars on any topic through our Media Resources page and @UChicagoNews on Twitter. If you are on deadline and need to speak to someone, contact Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz, associate director of media relations via email at [email protected].
DEMOCRATS RE-ENERGIZED
is director of UChicago’s and a former Democratic U.S. Senator from North Dakota. the importance of education in the 2024 election cycle and can speak to the impact of Biden’s decision on the trajectory of the election and the Democratic party, as well as how the party can vie for rural and swing voters.
EFFECTS ON TRUMP'S STRATEGY
is director of the and an expert on the American presidency. The author of "," he has appeared in this week’s and can comment on the historical nature of Biden's exit, and how Trump’s team will react.
THE YOUTH VOTE
Political scientist leads the and the . She has discussed President Biden’s waning polling numbers among Black voters and can comment on how a new Democratic ticket may influence the Black and youth vote.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR DEMOCRATS?
is an expert on public opinion. Following June’s presidential debate, that President Biden should exit the race and bless a new nominee. former President Trump’s VP pick, and can explain how the Democrats will choose a nominee, up to and including the possibility of an open convention.
RESILIENT INSTITUTIONS
is an expert in constitutional law and democratic backsliding. As co-author of “How to Save a Constitutional Democracy,” he argued that the rigidity of the Constitution can hasten democratic erosion. He can discuss how Biden’s exit from the race tests our democratic institutions and the resilience of the system.
HOW WILL VOTERS REACT?
directs the and authored "." that American democracy is deteriorating, and can discuss political polarization and whether the new Democratic nominee will energize progressives or alienate the Party's centrists.
INTRAPARTY DYNAMICS
is an expert on legislative institutions and political parties. Her forthcoming book, "Divided Parties, Strong Leaders," considers how leaders can sometimes draw strength from divided ranks. Bloch Rubin can discuss the intraparty and congressional dynamics that are likely to flow from Biden’s decision.
RADICALISM & VIOLENCE
is director of the . He recently conducted showing that 7% of Americans support the use of force to restore Trump to the presidency and 10% support it to keep him out. He can discuss how the changed race affects the potential for violence in the run-up to the election.
MODERATES & MAKING MOVES
can discuss what Democrats must do to nominate a new candidate and the role moderate voters could play in November. He hosts the , that the average American voter is more moderate than party platforms represent, and on the likelihood of decreased turnout this cycle.
BORDER & IMMIGRATION POLICY
is a sociologist at the and an expert on how policy and legal frameworks shape the everyday lives and wellbeing of undocumented immigrants. The author of "," she can discuss Kamala Harris’s work on immigration and the border, likely to be a target of GOP attacks.
FOREIGN POLICY
is an expert on global security and diplomacy. NATO’s prospects under a second Trump presidency and spoken on brought about by an alliance between Russia and North Korea. Poast can comment on Biden's foreign policy accomplishments, the likely approach of his successor, and Trump's foreign policy agenda.
RSS