LOUISVILLE, Ky. — President Joe Biden announced via social media he dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday.
One hundred seven days away from the 2024 presidential election, Biden has ended his bid for reelection. It's something our country has not seen in nearly 60 years.
"I think it's huge. We haven't had an open convention since 1968, there's a lot of parallels with Lyndon B. Johnson and Joe Biden both stepping out and opening up the potential convention to competition from different candidates," said Spalding University Dean of Graduate Education Kurt Jefferson.
For weeks, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's name has been floating around on both sides of the aisle to possible step into a presidential or vice presidential role.
"Gov. Beshear has as good a chance as anyone…largely because, as we've seen over the last 50 years, being a governor is equally If not more important than being a U.S. senator or another type of position that would lead to the path of the White House for Vice President of president," Jefferson said.
A sentiment Jeffersonville Republican Mayor Mike Moore is hoping for.
"I was so happy when I heard Gov. Beshear's name getting mentioned. A Republican mayor who likes the Democrat governor of Kentucky? That's saying something," Moore said.
Following Biden's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee, Beshear is one of three people on the "shortlist" to share the ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris, assuming she becomes the nominee for president, according to a report from The Hill.
“She is our sitting vice president so if she’s asked to step into the role of vice president I would fully support that," Moore said.
To get to the point of nomination, the Democratic Party now must figure out how the Democratic National Convention will play out, which is one month away.
"Biden will have to release his delegates, if that takes place you're going to see potentially either a virtual pre-vote to muster delegate votes prior to the convention to see if they would go towards Harris or you could have the classic Broker convention," Jefferson said.
Brokered convention, or open conventions, are when a political party fails to choose nominee on the first round of delegate voting at the party's convention. These types of conventions were common for about a century prior to 1936.
With a lot is unknown surrounding who's names will be on the Democratic ticket come November, Jefferson said one thing is clear: the parties are in control.
“I think it sets an interesting precedent in the sense that a lot of people don’t understand that the parties control these processes. This is not, necessarily, a guaranteed thing based on voter preference or what have you. It’s pretty much republicans and democrats controlling this process," Jefferson said.
In a statement shared with WHAS11, Louisville Democratic Party Chair Logan Gatti said:
"Unity above division. Hope above fear. Country above self. These are the ideals of a true leader, and these are the ideals of President Joe Biden. In what was surely one of the most difficult decisions he has ever made, our President did what he believed was in the best interests of our nation.
President Joe Biden is one of the most consequential presidents in our country’s history. He is the first president to walk a picket line with striking union workers, his infrastructure investments in Kentucky for roads, bridges, high speed internet, clean water, and his immediate disaster aid during weather disasters will be felt by Kentuckians for generations.
The President's decision today shows the type of person he truly is: A man of faith and kindness who cares deeply for all Americans. I look forward to supporting the next Democratic nominee for President."
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