The Democrats’ Hidden Power: 3,939 Delegates Face Unlikely Responsibility As Biden Remains Firm
The Democratic National Convention, set to take place in Chicago next month, is usually a celebration of unity and a coronation for the party’s chosen presidential candidate. However, a looming scenario, though still unlikely, could thrust the 3,939 delegates into a position of unprecedented power. If President Biden were to step down as the nominee, these delegates, most of whom are pledged to him, would suddenly be tasked with choosing a new candidate to lead the Democratic Party into the upcoming election.
Key Takeaways:
- The 3,939 delegates are mostly pledged to President Biden, reflecting the popular vote in their state primaries.
- In the improbable event of President Biden’s withdrawal, the delegates would become free to support another candidate, potentially altering the course of the Democratic Party.
- While most delegates are loyal to President Biden and believe he will remain in the race, they are wrestling with the potential implications of an open convention.
- The possibility of a contested convention has sparked widespread discussion within the party, highlighting the power and responsibility vested in the delegate body.
The Democratic Party has been largely unified in its support for President Biden. However, the recent debate performance, where he appeared to stumble and struggle, has raised concerns among some party members – concerns that have only been amplified by recent polling data showing a tightening race against former President Trump. Although President Biden has firmly stated his intent to remain in the race, a potential withdrawal would trigger a domino effect with far-reaching consequences.
The vast majority of delegates, approximately 99%, are pledged to President Biden. While the Democrat National Convention’s rules allow for a "conscience clause," permitting delegates to break from their delegations, this option is rarely exercised. Donna Brazile, a former chair of the Democratic National Committee, notes the stark contrast between this situation and past contested conventions, declaring, “This is not 2016, and it’s not 2008, when you had a split delegation. This is a Biden convention.”
However, a shift in the political landscape, particularly the possibility of a contested convention, has led some delegates to confront their responsibility and potential role in shaping the party’s future. One such delegate is Ronald Martin, a social studies teacher and National Education Association member, who initially dismisses President Biden’s debate performance as a "bad night." But when asked about the hypothetical scenario of President Biden’s withdrawal, Mr. Martin expresses a sense of duty to assess all potential candidates. "I would respect President Biden’s decision, whatever he says, but again, I’d sit and listen to everything," he says, highlighting the sense of responsibility felt by many delegates.
Trevor Jung, the Transit Director for Racine, Wisconsin, and a first-time delegate in 2020, is another individual struggling with the gravity of this unexpected scenario. While he remains firmly in support of President Biden, he expresses uncertainty regarding his actions in an open convention. "I have not given it much thought, and it’s in part because I think President Biden will be our nominee," he says, "President Biden had a bad night, and Donald Trump had a bad presidency."
The possibility of a contested convention also reveals the diversity within the delegate body. From local government officials and educators to labor leaders and college students, the delegates represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds and experiences.
Amaad Rivera-Wagner, the Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and a second-time Biden delegate, highlights the potential pressure and personal stakes involved. He recounts receiving death threats in 2020 because of his involvement in the election process. "Yes, there is turmoil, but the convention feels clear to me," he says, acknowledging the anxiety surrounding the election while maintaining his support for President Biden.
While the scenario of a contested convention remains unlikely, the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding its potential have fueled discussions within the Democratic Party. The party members, including the delegates, are wrestling with the responsibility and burden of their potential role as kingmakers, should the current nominee withdraw.
The Democratic Party’s future, its direction and its ultimate candidate for the presidency, could ultimately depend on the decisions of the 3,939 delegates. Their role, once considered largely ceremonial, has gained unexpected significance in the face of a potential crisis. The coming weeks will reveal how the delegates react to the evolving political landscape, the potential scenarios facing the party, and their preparedness for an unprecedented decision.
