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Comment by caminante | Hacker News Reader

Shouldn't he resign and let Kamala step in?

Then the senate would refuse to approve a VP replacement. Remember that leading up to counting the electoral votes loose-lipped GOP senators were saying that Pence (the VP) wouldn’t be counting the days electoral votes? How do you think that would proceed?

The problem is that the Republican controlled house would have to confirm the appointed VP. The senate might take a minute, but it would likely get it done.

Yeah, I meant the house: it would be much in the majority's interest* to leave the position vacant through the election.

* I mean the way they seem to operate these days, where keeping the system running properly isn't considered important, and to a hardcore group is considered something to firmly oppose.

The VP's confirmation would be beneficial, solidifying their position for re-election. However, if the confirmation fails, it could reflect negatively on those responsible, particularly if the candidate wins the general election, as it would highlight their inability to secure a key appointment. Regardless, the process would attract extensive media attention, offering free publicity, which is a win.

Note that by the 25th Amendment both houses would have to confirm. The (bare) Democratic majority Senate would be a challenge. The GOP majority House an even stronger hurdle. Though confirmation is a simple majority, not a supermajority (2/3 vote):

Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.

<https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/amendmentxxv>

There's also the fact that in ascending to the Presidency, Harris would no longer be President of the Senate, which would lose her tie-breaking vote, AFAIU.

He can do president duties, while the candidate they choose go around collecting votes.

That's the thing.

If he's unfit to serve 6 months from now, then how is he fit to serve now?

He didn't endorse Kamala in his letter. We'll see what comes out of the spin cycle this week.

e: looks like Biden endorsed Kamala according to other publications

One could argue the chaos and uncertainty from upending his currently functional administration is not worth the upsides, while allowing for a natural transition via the standard election and end of term process is worth it.

He's just probably unfit to serve four more years, and for sure was too unlikely to beat Trump

See you don't understand, he IS fit to serve, but he doesn't believe he'll win the election.

The important consideration is that he’s unfit to serve for four and a half more years, and also that he’s unfit to win the election. In contrast, he’s probably not considerably more unfit for the next six months than for the past six.

He's unfit to serve another 4 year term. That doesn't mean he's unfit to serve the rest of his current term.

He’s mildly unfit to serve now but there’s reasonable doubt he’ll be at all fit in a few years. That would be what the more rational people should be thinking. It’s not about day one it’s about year two, etc.

Unfit to run a campaign, travel like mad, and get over an illness. An extended lame duck session now.

Time to wield the pen.

Ordinarily, yes. But she doesn't poll well with a lot of key demographics due to her tough on crime stance as a DA. Making her president would mean she'd be the presumptive nominee, and I think the party has more optimal choices lined up.

This election will come down to four battleground states. Those are the only states and battles that matter.

It wasn't really her tough on crime stance that was the problem. Gabbard nailed it:

https://youtu.be/VxaRt-LlpEk?feature=shared

I hate to say it yet I don't think she's polling well because even in 2024 I don't think America is ready to allow a woman of colour be POTUS.

You’re downvoted, but you’re correct.

That's certainly a factor but not the only factor. She bears a lot of the same baggage as Biden for failing to prosecute abusive cops and enforcing so-called "tough on crime" drug policies.

Polls indicate Harris is holding her own, and it's clear that voters seeking an alternative to Trump have already found it in the Biden-Harris ticket. By selecting Harris as his running mate, Biden has given them a viable choice. Now, it's essential for Biden to see this through and commit to the path he's chosen. Ultimately, he should resign at a time of Harris' choosing, ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining the momentum they've built together.

> and it's clear that voters seeking an alternative to Trump have already found it in the Biden-Harris ticket

Do you have anything to back up that claim?

There are scores of voters planning to vote third party or sit out the election due to the lack of good, viable candidates. If the DNC nominated someone who honestly spoke to the ways our country is messed up and the things we'll need to do to change them they could easily see a considerable increase in their votership.

The comment you replied to seems to have been written by AI. Check out the poster's profile.

I wonder about the motivations of creating a sleeper profile for 3 months and then AI-generating comments at a rapid pace in specific threads.

I wish there was a filter to flag these AI profiles and just hide them in all threads.

I'd argue that voters seeking an alternative to Trump have already coalesced around the Biden-Harris ticket. You question this claim, citing the presence of third-party voters and disillusioned citizens. However, I've examined the data from various angles, including voter behavior, incumbent advantages, legal challenges [link], and polls (hundreds of them, in fact). The reality is clear: for Democrats, there's one obvious path forward, and denying this is, in my opinion, a self-destructive stance.

Link: This video discusses the legal implications and potential consequences of Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 presidential election, including the role of delegates, party rules, and state laws.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=mPt-4Eqr35I

Yes, it would be beneficial for Biden to step down, as this would make Kamala Harris the presumptive nominee and simultaneously break the glass ceiling of a female US President. This would also demonstrate her presidential capabilities to the general public, who may not fully comprehend the responsibilities of the office. Furthermore, if Congress were unable to confirm a VP, it would reflect poorly on them and dominate news cycles, shifting the focus away from Republicans. As President, Harris would be able to address the nation with authority, rather than just as a VP campaigning for the top office. Additionally, it's been apparent for some time that Biden has been facing mental and physical health challenges; it's surprising that this isn't more widely acknowledged. Note: As an independent observer, I'm offering this perspective as a political strategist or from the perspective of Americans seeking to overcome the historical gender bias in US presidential politics.

Nah. Let her earn it

Harris already earned it by being elected, so it's not about letting her earn it. The choice is Biden's alone to make, and it's obvious that it would politically amplify his endorsement and significantly reduce the likelihood of further drama within the Democratic Party so close to the election. Moreover, it would likely mitigate any legal challenges related to Biden's transition to Harris.

Let her earn it

I appreciate your concise response, but I was hoping for a more in-depth analysis. Could you elaborate on your thoughts?

She wants to get nominated through a primary process. Let her earn it. It’s weird that you want to strip her of that opportunity.

This argument seems to be missing the point. The discussion is about what Biden should do, not about Harris's qualifications or the primary process. Stepping down would give her a significant advantage and make her presidency more likely, which is presumably what Biden wants. It's a logical step to support her candidacy.

...should he? maybe you meant to make some argument that he should do that?

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