1. **Transition and Decision Making**


I believe President Biden will step aside as his party’s nominee. This isn't a value judgment, just an analysis of reality. If that happens, Kamala Harris is the most likely replacement. This raises a new question: Should Biden resign and elevate Harris to the presidency?


This decision will depend on Biden’s condition. If he withdraws his candidacy, some reason will be given. If the reason centers on his health or cognitive functioning, resignation becomes a judgment call. If the president is mentally compromised, he may have no choice but to resign. Assuming Biden’s ability to carry out his office is not substantially affected, the decision of whether or not to resign becomes politically prudential. What then?


2. **The Post-Biden Scenario**


If Biden steps down, Kamala Harris will become the focus of more attention than anyone in politics, including Trump. She will be able to pack stadiums and arenas instantly. This hand-off to the next generation of Democrats will bring uncertainty as to whether she can deliver. If she handles it well, there will be a bump in the polls and public interest will build.


Republicans will argue that Biden should be removed via the 25th Amendment, and Harris will have to address that charge every time she speaks to the media. The only way this works is if she turns the handoff into a blitzkrieg and sprints all the way through to Election Day.


Meanwhile, real-world issues will continue. Potential crises like a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a terrorist attack in the United States, border issues, or a natural disaster could arise.


3. **The Case for Harris as the Incumbent President**


Having President Harris traveling on Air Force One and standing behind the presidential seal would instantly solidify her gravitas. This would create more attention and allow her to dominate news cycles. Her candidacy would become even more historic and exciting.


It would also level the playing field between Harris and Trump. Trump runs as both an insurgent and an incumbent, while Vice President Harris is neither. If Harris runs as the sitting president, she will have demonstrated her capability. People will see her—literally—in the big chair. 


Some Americans might have trouble picturing a black woman as commander in chief. Seeing Harris as president might allay their concerns if she does a satisfactory job. Additionally, Trump would be frustrated every time Harris is referred to as Madame President.


4. **The Case for Harris Remaining VP**


The biggest issue is that the presidency requires a lot of time and energy, and Harris will need to campaign at full speed. As sitting president, her attention will be divided. Also, President Biden can take actions that might not be popular with the base and absorb those hits for her. More importantly, if something bad happens, it’s on President Biden and not her.


If Harris is sworn in as president, she will need a vice president confirmed by both the House and Senate. This could be a difficult process as House Republicans might try to sabotage it. Harris’s choices would be constrained by confirmation prospects and candidates' willingness to resign their current office for a potentially short-term job. If she remains VP, she can choose her ideal running mate without this concern.


5. **Conclusion**


Ultimately, the decision will be driven more by Biden’s reality than by what gives Harris the bigger advantage. People will be thinking about all of this soon. Biden is a good man who has been a good president. He deserves better than the situation in which fate has placed him. But this moment is bigger than him, and he understands that truth. The people who admire Biden owe him the loyalty of their candor.


I’m proud of the way our community has met this moment. If the rest of America were like what we’ve built here, everything would be okay. Despite the dark times, there is confirmation that we still have one healthy political party. After the debate, the Republican party continued its refusal to address the problems with its nominee. Meanwhile, most of the Democratic party is engaged in a serious discussion about what is best for the country.


This is encouraging. Remember, it's always darkest before the dawn. If you’ve been on the fence about joining us, now is the time. These are your people. This is the moment.


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### Blood


Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, commented on the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity, stating:


“We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.”


Roberts' statement reflects a disturbing trend where threats of political violence become normalized. This shift indicates a revolution replacing liberal democracy with illiberal democracy. So far, Republicans have avoided violence as long as they get their way. It's only when democracy thwarts their ambitions that violence ensues.


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### SEAL Team 6


Here's Politico on the aftermath of the presidential immunity decision:


Richard Fallon, a constitutional law professor at Harvard Law School, argues that the ruling does not leave presidential power unchecked. Lawless presidential conduct can still be prevented by other parts of the Constitution. However, an assassination ordered by the president would be different and couldn't be undone after the fact.


The biggest challenge for a president ordering an assassination would be finding military personnel willing to carry out the order. While the president has immunity, others involved would remain vulnerable to prosecution. A lawless president could promise to pardon anyone who followed his orders, creating dangerous confusion within the military’s chain of command.


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### Final Thoughts


President Biden’s recent conduct and new polling data suggest that people close to him are concerned about his condition. If Biden withdraws, it will be due to his character and the Democratic party's realistic and hard-headed approach to its responsibilities.


There’s also a possibility that Biden might withdraw citing the judgment of the American people. Harris could try to have the best of both worlds by nominating one person to serve as VP and selecting a different person as her running mate, similar to Gerald Ford.


This discussion about Biden reflects the Democratic party’s willingness to address difficult realities, contrasting with the Republican party's refusal to address issues with its nominee. This moment requires candor and loyalty to our country’s best interests.