Joe Biden’s sudden exit from the presidential race Sunday gives a group of potential replacements what might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to lead the Democrats’ White House ticket.
But first, they would have to decide to enter an abbreviated race, knowing full well that the odds are stacked against them.
Any Democratic candidate who attempts to vault Vice President Kamala Harris and become the party’s new presidential nominee will face a barrage of challenges. They’ll be forced to persuade Democratic delegates predisposed to backing the sitting vice president that they can overcome pressing questions about their credibility and ability to put together a general election campaign in a matter of weeks.