To: Don Green who wrote (10 ) 2/16/2024 11:20:00 AM From: Don Green Read Replies (1) | Respond to What if Ttump and Biden both were suddenly to drop out running for President? For the Democrats: Open field scramble: With Biden out, the Democratic field, already relatively crowded, would become wide open. Established figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, and Elizabeth Warren would be expected to jump in, alongside rising stars like Gavin Newsom and Stacey Abrams. The race would likely be chaotic and unpredictable, with a diverse field competing for momentum and the support of delegates.Focus on policy: Without the baggage of Trump and Biden's incumbency, the Democratic primary could pivot towards a more substantive debate on policy issues. Candidates would likely clash on healthcare, climate change, economic inequality, and social justice, offering voters a clearer choice on the party's future direction.Increased voter engagement: A fresh, open race could generate excitement and attract new voters, particularly younger individuals and those disaffected by both Biden and Trump. This could lead to higher turnout in the primaries and the general election. For the Republicans: Trump's shadow lingers: While Trump's absence removes his direct candidacy, his influence on the Republican Party would likely remain strong. Some candidates would embrace his brand of populism and nationalism, while others might try to distance themselves and offer a more traditional conservative vision.Battle for the right: With no clear frontrunner, the Republican field could fracture into factions, with established figures like Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence facing challenges from outsiders like Nikki Haley and Donald Trump Jr. This could lead to a bitter primary filled with personal attacks and ideological clashes.Uncertain general election: The general election landscape would become much harder to predict. Without Trump and Biden at the top of the ticket, it's unclear who would benefit from their absence. Third-party candidates or independent figures could gain traction, and voter demographics could play a more significant role. Overall, the potential withdrawal of both Trump and Biden would inject considerable uncertainty into the 2024 election. It would force both parties to recalibrate their strategies, present distinct visions to voters, and potentially open the door for new leaders to emerge.
