How Can We Remove Joe Biden from the Presidency Before His Term Ends?
The current political climate has sparked a lot of debate and discussion regarding the possibility of removing Joe Biden from the presidency before his term ends. The methods and processes vary depending on who is attempting to remove him, and there are specific procedures for each scenario. However, it's important to note that there are no immediate or easily attainable actions to accomplish this. This article will explore the various methods, their feasibility, and why it might not be happening anytime soon.
Methods of Removal
When it comes to removing a U.S. President before the completion of their term, there are three primary methods to consider:
1. Citizen Action
If it's a matter of the general public wanting to vote for a different candidate in the next election, the straightforward process is to vote for a different candidate in the upcoming election. The electoral college will cast their votes accordingly if a majority of the electorate feels similarly. However, if the opposition parties don't gain enough support, the current president will continue to hold office until the end of their term.
2. Congress Action
Impeaching and removing a president is a more complex and legally stringent process. To begin the process, a motion is first presented to the House of Representatives. If the House votes to impeach the president with a simple majority, the case then moves to the Senate. There, the Senate must convict the president by a two-thirds majority vote. Historically, this has been a challenging process, and it would be especially difficult for Republicans to successfully impeach Biden without concrete evidence of a crime.
3. Cabinet Action
The 25th Amendment provides a detailed procedure for the removal of a president in certain circumstances. If the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office due to incapacity, resignation, or death, the vice president becomes the acting president. Should a president become incapacitated and refuses to transfer power, the vice president and a majority of the cabinet may submit a written declaration to the Speaker of the House and the Vice President stating the president is unable to serve. In such a situation, the vice president would assume the role of acting president. However, this route is highly theoretical and has not been used.
Understanding the Current Context
The attempt to remove Joe Biden from the presidency is often not due to a lack of support for his policies, but rather a perception that he is not fit for office. However, this is a highly controversial and unsupported claim. Being old or having a stutter does not amount to a criminal offense, nor does it make the president unfit to serve. The Constitution requires impeachment for actual criminal conduct.
Impeachment and the Need for Evidence
For impeachment to be successful, there must be concrete evidence of a criminal act. For example, if Biden were to withhold military aid through blackmail or engage in other forms of corruption, he could face impeachment. However, as of now, there is no evidence that would justify such an action.
Legality and Practicality
Legally, it is impossible to force Joe Biden from the presidency at this point. The procedures for removal are strictly defined, and most political discussions revolve around theoretical scenarios. The former president's actions, while controversial, did not violate the law to the extent that would necessitate removal from office. Even for impeachment, there must be clear evidence of a crime.
Barring any unexpected events, such as the president's death or serious mental incapacity, Joe Biden is set to serve until January 20, 2025. Whether one agrees with his policies or not, his election was fair and legitimate.