Kathmandu, Jun 29: The first presidential debate of the US presidential election has concluded, and the outcome has not been favorable for incumbent President Joe Biden.

During Thursday’s debate, Biden aimed to dispel concerns about his age. However, the debate has heightened these concerns, leading some Democratic leaders and party activists to suggest that Biden should withdraw his candidacy. Public concern about his viability for the White House and his continued candidacy has been expressed by some members of his party.

This situation raises questions about whether Biden will withdraw from the presidential race, the potential impacts, and who could take his place if he does.

**Can Biden Withdraw His Name?**
The official selection of the Democratic Party nominee will be announced at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19-22. To become the presidential candidate, a nominee must secure the support of a majority of delegates. Candidates receive proportional representation based on the results of each state’s primary election. This year, Biden secured 99 percent of the 4,000 delegates.

According to Democratic Convention rules, these delegates are committed to Biden and must support his nomination. However, if Biden himself withdraws, the presidential nominating convention becomes open to all candidates. There is no provision for Biden or anyone else in the party to directly choose a successor. In this scenario, open competition would begin among Democrats seeking the nomination.

**Potential Successors**
If Biden steps down during his presidency, Vice President Kamala Harris would automatically assume his role. However, if Biden withdraws from the race in November, Harris would not automatically become the presidential nominee. She would need to compete for delegates alongside other candidates. Although she is a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, her low popularity among the American public poses a challenge. Polls indicate that public dissatisfaction with her is higher than that with Biden or Trump.

Several Democratic candidates have attempted to challenge Biden, including Minnesota Representative Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson, but their chances of securing the nomination are slim. Speculations include potential candidates like California Governor Gavin Newsom or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, although neither has expressed interest in replacing Biden.

Until Biden withdraws his candidacy, it is unlikely that any leader will emerge in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.