Joe Biden Passes the Baton

Joe Biden Passes the Baton

Update: 2024-07-221
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Digest

This podcast episode delves into the news of Joe Biden's resignation from the 2024 presidential race, examining the circumstances surrounding his decision and its potential consequences. The hosts discuss Biden's announcement, which came after weeks of speculation and followed a pattern of declining poll numbers. They analyze his letter of resignation, noting the lack of specific reasons provided and speculating that he aimed to avoid addressing criticisms directly while maintaining his dignity. The episode then shifts to the implications of Biden's withdrawal for the Democratic nomination process. The hosts highlight the challenges of a rushed process and the need for thorough vetting of potential vice presidential candidates. They discuss Kamala Harris's potential as a candidate, acknowledging her improved performance and her ability to effectively prosecute the case against Donald Trump. The hosts also explore the potential reactions from both Democrats and Republicans. They anticipate that Republicans will likely focus on attacking Harris, using immigration as a key issue and attempting to discredit her. They also express concern that the focus on Biden's resignation might overshadow the Democratic Party's decision to prioritize him over an open nomination process, questioning whether the party will reflect on this decision and its implications.

Outlines

00:00:00
Biden's Resignation and its Implications

This chapter discusses Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, analyzing his announcement, the lack of specific reasons provided, and the potential motivations behind his decision.

00:00:39
Reactions and Analysis

This chapter explores the reactions to Biden's resignation, including the hosts' personal perspectives and the potential impact on the Democratic Party. It also analyzes the implications for the nomination process and the challenges of a rushed timeline.

00:16:08
Political Landscape and Potential Outcomes

This chapter examines the potential reactions from both Democrats and Republicans to Biden's withdrawal and the potential nomination of Kamala Harris. It discusses the likely strategies of both parties and the potential implications for the upcoming election.

Keywords

Joe Biden


Joe Biden is the 46th and current president of the United States. He served as vice president under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Biden is a member of the Democratic Party.

Kamala Harris


Kamala Harris is the 49th and current vice president of the United States. She served as a U.S. senator from California from 2017 to 2021. Harris is a member of the Democratic Party.

Donald Trump


Donald Trump is the 45th president of the United States. He served from 2017 to 2021. Trump is a member of the Republican Party.

Democratic Party


The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-left on the political spectrum.

Republican Party


The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-right on the political spectrum.

2024 Presidential Election


The 2024 United States presidential election is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The election will determine the 47th president of the United States.

Nomination Process


The nomination process is the process by which a political party chooses its candidate for president. This process typically involves primaries and caucuses, followed by a national convention.

Q&A

  • What was Joe Biden's reason for withdrawing from the presidential race?

    Biden did not provide specific reasons in his letter, but the hosts speculate that he wanted to avoid directly addressing criticisms and maintain his dignity.

  • How will the Democratic nomination process proceed now that Biden has withdrawn?

    The hosts discuss the challenges of a rushed process and the need for a thorough vetting of potential vice presidential candidates. They believe that Kamala Harris will likely be the nominee due to Biden's endorsement and the desire to move quickly.

  • How will Republicans react to Biden's withdrawal and the potential nomination of Kamala Harris?

    The hosts believe that Republicans will likely focus on attacking Harris, using immigration as a key issue and attempting to discredit her by highlighting her lack of support for Biden's candidacy earlier in the process.

  • What are the potential implications of Biden's withdrawal for the Democratic Party?

    The hosts express concern that the focus on Biden's resignation will overshadow the Democratic Party's decision to prioritize him over an open nomination process. They question whether the party will reflect on this decision and its implications, particularly if Harris loses the election.

Show Notes

Just over three weeks ago, Joe Biden was heading to the stage to debate Donald Trump. Now, he’s out. 


Guest: David Faris, Slate contributor, associate professor of political science at Roosevelt University and author of It’s Time to Fight Dirty: How Democrats Can Build a Lasting Majority in American Politics


Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.


Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Joe Biden Passes the Baton

Joe Biden Passes the Baton

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