Presidential Nomination Conundrum: Would Democrats Rally Behind Bernie Sanders if Joe Biden Sudden Dies?

The hypothetical scenario of Joe Biden's sudden passing during his presidency raises significant questions about the future of the Democratic party. One major question is whether the Democratic National Committee (DNC) would rally behind Bernie Sanders as the party's nominee or choose an alternative candidate. This article delves into this complex issue, exploring various factors that could influence such a decision.

The Current Party Landscape

The relationship between Bernie Sanders and the DNC is fraught with tension. Although Bernie Sanders technically identifies as an independent, his platform holds great appeal for younger voters, a demographic the DNC aims to attract. Despite this shared appeal, the traditional political insiders of the DNC do not share the same enthusiasm for Bernie Sanders' policies and views.

Potential Candidates if Biden Dies

If Joe Biden were to die, the natural progression would be for the Democratic delegates to choose a new nominee. The DNC does not have the final say in this process; instead, it is the delegates who will make the decision.

The immediate attention would be on potential candidates who are already part of the current primary race or have a solid track record in the party. These could include:

Mayor Pete Buttigieg - A rising star in the primary, known for his progressive policies and his LGBTQ identity. Given his good standing, he could become a strong contender if Biden's nomination path became uncertain. Amy Klobuchar - A senator with a broad appeal across different groups within the party, making her a viable alternative if the primary vote trajectory shifted. Gretchen Whitmer and Eric Adams (Mayor DeBlasio) - State governors and city mayors, both of whom have shown strong leadership and support within the party, making them potential options if the party looks to strengthen their grip on certain regional blocs. MadeleineVacaglia and Denise Vale - Two rising stars in the party, though less known, could gain traction if the primary race remains tight.

Role of the Vice President

Although a replacement candidate would be selected, it is also crucial to consider the role the Vice President would play in the event of Biden's sudden passing. Kamala Harris stands as a powerful figure in the party, and her confirmation as Vice President has added a new dynamic to the political landscape. If Biden's electors won the election, it is likely that Vice President Harris would become the nominee. However, if this pathway is blocked, the possibility remains that the party would select another candidate to maintain their chances of winning the nomination.

Advancements in Technology

While the political landscape will play a key role in the selection of the next Democratic nominee, it is also worth noting advancements in technology. The Rosa the Robot model, developed by Disney Audio Animatronics, has shown remarkable progress since the initial Pelosi model in 2007. These advancements suggest that the future of political representation could see further integration of technology, enhancing the nomination process.

Electoral College Considerations

The nature of the US presidential election also requires a nuanced understanding of the Electoral College system. Citizens do not directly vote for the presidential candidate but for a slate of electors who are pledged to support a particular candidate in the Electoral College. If Joe Biden were to pass away before the general election, voters would still be able to elect these electoral delegates. In such a scenario, if insurgents won the Electoral College, they would most likely rally behind a candidate that aligns with their interests, rather than the deceased nominee's chosen VP.

Conclusion

The decision on who would become the Democratic nominee in the event of Joe Biden's sudden passing would be complex and contingent on various factors. The traditional insiders of the DNC might prefer to run another candidate to counter Bernie Sanders' threat to their power. Given the current political landscape, Mayor Pete Buttigieg or Amy Klobuchar, who have shown great potential in the primary, could emerge as leading contenders. The role of Kamala Harris, as Vice President, would also play a significant role.

The advancements in technology and the mechanics of the Electoral College further highlight the multifaceted nature of this issue. While it remains uncertain who the selected alternative candidate would be, it is clear that the Democratic party's nominee would need to navigate both the political and technological landscapes to secure their victory.