CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There have been several claims on social media about what happens now after President Biden announced he's dropping out of the race for the presidency.
Our Verify team looked into it.
OUR SOURCES:
- The 25th Amendment
- Democratic Party rules
- Previous presidential elections
THE QUESTION
Is Joe Biden still the president?
THE ANSWER
Yes, President Biden will remain president.
WHAT WE FOUND
Though Biden said he is dropping out of the race, he will still remain commander in chief.
Technically he could be removed from office by his Cabinet, according to the 25th Amendment, if his Cabinet feels he can no longer serve. However, no Cabinet official has indicated that will happen.
THE QUESTION
Will Vice President Kamala Harris automatically replace Biden as the Democratic nominee?
THE ANSWER
No, Harris will not automatically replace Biden as the nominee.
WHAT WE FOUND
According to Democratic Party rules, the presidential nominee is decided by delegates at the Democratic National Convention.
In most cases, people who are chosen to be delegates are active party members, leaders, or early supporters of one of the candidates.
Biden is backing Harris, and his campaign formally changed its name to "Harris for President."
THE NEXT QUESTION
Has this ever happened before?
THE ANSWER
Yes, it has.
WHAT WE FOUND
Lyndon B. Johnson was planning on running again in 1968, after he was sworn in as president in 1963 following John F. Kennedy's assassination. However, after criticism about the Vietnam War and a rocky start to the primary process, he announced he would no longer seek his party's nomination for president.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY.
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