Despite the whispers of age-related concerns and less-than-stellar poll numbers, the party has no backup plan if President Joe Biden decides to fold his 2024 re-election bid. This lack of a contingency plan could ignite a chaotic scramble within the party, reminiscent of a Black Friday sale at a big-box store.

Biden, who cleared the field of Democratic primary challengers like a seasoned gardener weeding a flower bed, remains steadfast in his decision to seek a second term. However, the clock is ticking, and the deadlines for primary ballots in key states have already passed, leaving the Democrats in a precarious position.

Biden’s loyalists, armed with his presidential record, argue that a backup plan is unnecessary. They believe Biden can once again defeat the likely Republican nominee, Donald Trump, in a rematch of the 2020 election. However, if Biden, at 81, were to step aside, the Democrats could find themselves in a political version of musical chairs, with potential nominees scrambling for the top spot.

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Vice President Kamala Harris, despite her own popularity issues, wouldn’t automatically ascend to the top of the ticket if Biden stepped aside. She would, however, benefit from their joint campaign infrastructure. But the race could quickly become crowded with other Democrats eager to seize the opportunity.

The Democrats’ unity behind Biden, despite some apprehension, is as solid as a brick wall. If it weren’t, other big-name competitors would have already thrown their hats into the ring. However, the question remains: Is Biden’s re-election bid in the best interest of the country or just his own?

The Democrats’ primary elections kick off in February and wrap up in June, with their convention scheduled for August in Chicago. If Biden were to drop out after the primaries, the convention could turn into a political free-for-all, with delegates free to vote for another candidate.

The potential for intraparty warfare looms large, with the Democrats potentially mirroring the Republicans in a battle where candidates spend time and money fighting each other rather than focusing on the general election. If Biden were to drop out after the convention, the situation would become even more complicated, with the 435 members of the DNC meeting in a special session to select a nominee.

As the 2024 election approaches, the Democrats may need to consider whether it’s wise to put all their eggs in one basket, especially when that basket is as unpredictable as the world of politics.

Read more at Reuters.