Staff Reports
Speaker Mike Johnson is setting the stage for a legal showdown should President Joe Biden decide to bow out of the 2024 race. Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” he emphasized that the process of choosing candidates is not as easy as a quick backroom switcheroo. Each state has its own verification process, and according to Johnson, it’s not just a matter of swapping one candidate for another if Biden steps aside. With 14 million Democrats casting their votes to crown him the nominee, any attempt to replace him without following the established protocols would likely encounter serious legal hurdles.
In the aftermath of Biden’s potential departure, Johnson foresees a Republican response that could shake the Democratic foundations. He pointed out that voters across the country would likely raise eyebrows at the idea of party elites making a last-minute decision to replace Biden. This sentiment resonates with many conservatives who believe that such maneuvers would defy the democratic spirit – small ‘d’ democratic, that is – that underpins the electoral process. The implications of a chaotic transition would be significant, leading not only to electoral confusion but also potential court battles in various states.
Speaker Johnson Hints at Legal Challenges to Attempts to Replace Biden on Ballots https://t.co/jTinSTcVTD
— NahBabyNah #Trump (@NahBabyNah) July 21, 2024
Democrats might be giddy at the thought of initiating a seamless move to a fresher candidate, basking in the glow of favorable media narratives. However, Republicans are always prepared to disrupt that fairy tale with a dose of reality. Johnson’s comments suggest that any attempt to shove a new candidate down voters’ throats without proper adherence to party rules and processes could ignite challenges from their opposition. The stakes are higher than ever, and the GOP stands ready to launch legal initiatives aimed at preserving the integrity of the electoral system.
The mechanics of the election process add another layer of complexity. While party rules might allow for some flexibility, the legal landscape remains fraught with challenges. The potential for a contested convention looms large, particularly if Biden’s departure throws the Democrats into disarray. A legal challenge to replace him would not only test party strategies but also reveal the fractures within the Democrat camp. The GOP looks forward to this internal conflict, ready to capitalize on Democratic disunity as both parties head toward an election season that promises to be unlike any other.
At the end of the day, the identity of the Democratic nominee may not hold as much weight as many might think. Electors, not the public, ultimately hold the real voting power in the Electoral College, casting ballots that determine the presidency. While states may impose rules on how electors must operate, the political realities remain that most will toe the party line, especially if that party is faced with a feeble last-minute alternative. For conservatives, this situation presents an opportunity to remind voters of the maneuvers and strengths of a party that still insists on following the rules—something they might wish the Democrats would consider more closely as the 2024 election looms on the horizon.
