Local political analyst talks about impact on election after Biden drops out
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s been more than 50 years since a sitting president dropped out of an election race. The last time was in 1968 when Lyndon B. Johnson stepped down after decreasing approval ratings.
“There’s going to be a whole lot of work that has to be done,” said News 13’s Political Analyst Gabe Sanchez.
The Chair of the Republican Party of New Mexico Steve Pearce said it was just a matter of time before Biden caved to the pressure.
“I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone in the country, and especially not in the Republican party, the Democrats have been tipping their hand here,” Pearce said.
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With the Democratic National Committee (DNC) just one month away, Sanchez said the party will need to scramble to get a presidential nominee. So far, Vice President Kamala Harris looks to be a favorite after receiving President Biden’s endorsement Sunday.
“Democrats might have wanted this decision made a bit earlier, that would’ve made things a lot easier with the delegates and so forth,” Sanchez explained.
Other potential candidates range from governors, and state senators, but Sanchez said Harris is in the best position to beat former President Trump. He argues that she could bring new energy to the race and would appeal to younger voters and minority groups. However, he claimed Vice President Harris is more progressive, which could deter some of the more moderate voters.
“All of those folks have never really been in a presidential race where, essentially, you’re running not at a state level trying to convince voters in your own state, but the entire nation,” Sanchez added. “The Vice President is the only person that’s had that experience.”
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Sanchez said, according to polling data, Harris stands the best chance of defeating former President Donald Trump.
“I think they would love to have somebody at the top of the ticket that everybody can start rallying around, and hopefully, they can build some momentum around because clearly, I think Trump and Republicans are ahead in the race,” Sanchez said.
The DNC will be held in mid-August in Chicago.
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