What would happen if President Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race?

President Biden's debate performance on Thursday is leading some analysts to ask what would happen if he steps down from the nomination?

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — In Raleigh on Friday, President Joe Biden was more animated and less hoarse than during his first presidential debate on Thursday. 

While some viewers noted Former President Trump’s lies during the debate about Biden’s stance on abortion and immigration, others felt Biden’s performance was lackluster, marked by his raspy voice—which he said is from a cold—and his seemingly lost facial expressions.

With Biden now 81, there’s been concern among some democrats about Biden’s ability to serve. But how likely is it that Biden would drop out this late in the race?  

As political advisor and Cape Fear Community College Instructor Nelson Beaulieu explains, it’s not impossible. Though, voters would not be the ones deciding on a replacement nominee. Rather, it would be decided by the more than 3500 democratic delegates, almost all of whom have already been selected by Biden. 

“Nothing would automatically happen,” Beaulieu explained. “Now in a situation where President Biden steps aside, he would have a tremendous amount of influence and ability to shape the process. So, if for instance, President Biden were to say, ‘look, I’m endorsing my vice president, Kamala Harris to run in my place,’ chances are overwhelming that she would be selected by the delegates.” 

Beaulieu said if Harris wasn’t introduced as a replacement, it’s difficult to say who would be. 

“If it wasn’t Kamala Harris, you’d see anywhere between 5 and 500 democrats seeking the nomination. So, it would really be quite a sprint,” Beaulieu added. 

Beaulieu noted that while Biden stepping down would be unprecedented in American history, frustration among voters during this year’s election could make it possible. 

“Public sentiment around the race is decidedly negative. I think most Americans feel this is a choice they would rather not make,” Beaulieu said. 

But as President Biden indicated in Raliegh, it’s far more likely he will remain on the ballot this November. 

“I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul I can do this job. Because quite frankly the stakes are too high,” Biden said.