The first presidential debate is done and the aftermath has not been good for the incumbent, Joe Biden.

Some Democrat politicians and operatives reportedly texted CNN commentators with hopes that Mr Biden, 81, would step aside. Some floated the possibility of going to the White House and publicly stating concerns about him remaining as candidate.

But if Mr Biden were to drop out, it would be a free-for-all. There is no official mechanism for him or anyone else in the party to choose his successor, meaning Democrats would be left with an open (Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago from August 19-22.

  • @ironhydroxide
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    142 days ago

    The age specifics might be important. AOC turns 35 in October, before she’d take office if elected. And therefore might actually be eligible.

    • Flying Squid
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      02 days ago

      That would be the sort of legal battle that I could see taking too long to resolve.

      • citrusface
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        222 days ago

        There’s no battle to be had. You can be elected at 34 and you have to be 35 to serve. As long as you are 35 before inauguration, you are good. There is nothing to challenge. It’s cut and dry.

          • citrusface
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            112 days ago

            In this case - it is.

            Article II, Section 1, Clause 5:

            No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

            There is NOTHING that prevents anyone from campaigning or running for president that is younger than 35. You have to be 35 to serve as president. There is no ambiguity.

            • Flying Squid
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              12 days ago

              Dude, SCOTUS is currently deciding whether or not it’s legal for a president to assassinate his political rivals.

              • citrusface
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                142 days ago

                Okay - you know what. I yield. I shouldn’t have to in the first place, but I legitimately cannot argue your point.