In a move that underscores the growing political divide in the United States, legislators in five states, including Georgia, have initiated efforts to exclude President Joe Biden from the 2024 election ballots. This action follows New Hampshire’s recent removal of Biden from their primary ballot, marking a significant escalation in partisan strategies leading up to the next presidential election.
Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia, along with Texas, cite a precedent set by the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to bar former President Donald Trump from the state’s ballot. This decision was grounded in the 14th Amendment’s stipulation against officials who partake in insurrection. The lawmakers argue that if Trump can be excluded based on these grounds, then Biden, facing allegations of ‘insurrection’ at the southern border and purported corrupt dealings with China, should also be disqualified.
Critics of Biden argue that his policies, particularly those related to immigration, have led to a surge in illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, warranting a stricter approach to border security. Furthermore, an impeachment inquiry by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee scrutinizes Biden’s alleged involvement in his son Hunter’s foreign business dealings, allegations the White House consistently refutes.
The legislators’ campaign is not merely a retaliatory measure but a symbolic stand against what they perceive as a radical shift in the country’s governance. They aim to challenge the Colorado decision, advocating for the inclusion of all candidates on ballots across states. Their stance reflects a deeper ideological battle, pitching their efforts as a defense against the ‘communists’ they claim are steering the nation.
While the feasibility of these legislative efforts varies, with states like Pennsylvania presenting a challenging landscape due to Democratic majorities, the situation in predominantly Republican states like Georgia, Arizona, and Texas appears more favorable for such initiatives. The outcome of these efforts could significantly impact the political landscape, potentially reshaping the electoral paths in key states.