Democratic operatives predicted an “emergency DNC meeting” to “CONSIDER replacement,” following Democrat nominee Hillary Clinton’s collapse at the 9/11 memorial event on Sunday, according to a broadcast journalist on Twitter.
David Shuster, a former anchor for Al Jazeera America and MSNBC, revealed the bombshell news Sunday afternoon, tweeting that operatives in Clinton’s party expect a meeting to discuss whether or not to replace their nominee.
Clarification from dem operatives @HillaryClinton pneumonia: Expect emergency DNC meeting to CONSIDER replacement. #HillarysHealth
— David Shuster (@DavidShuster) September 11, 2016
According to Shuster, a Democrat operative described Clinton’s recent stumbles — literally and figuratively — as “uncharted political territory.” The operative listed Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” comment, her hiding pneumonia for 3 days (if indeed she has pneumonia), and the video of her fainting after the 9/11 memorial ceremony. On Sunday, Clinton also called off her trip to California, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
Dem operative: @HillaryClinton #BasketOfDeplorables, hiding pneumonia for 3 days, + fainting video = "unchartered political territory."
— David Shuster (@DavidShuster) September 12, 2016
Even if the DNC meets and decides to replace Clinton, party rules stipulate that she herself must voluntarily drop out.
Top dem: "we can make contingencies, argue, plead with @HillaryClinton, but DNC bylaws are clear her nominee status now totally up to her."
— David Shuster (@DavidShuster) September 12, 2016
Were she to do so, the rules and bylaws of the Democratic Party stipulates that the Democratic National Committee has many responsibilities, including “filling vacancies in the nominations for the office of the President and Vice President.”
In such cases, “a special meeting to fill a vacancy on the National ticket shall be held on the call of the Chairperson, who shall set the date for such meeting in accordance with the procedural rules provided for in Article Two, Section 8(d) of these Bylaws.” That referenced section reads, “all questions before the Democratic National Committee shall be determined by majority vote of those members present and voting in person or by proxy.”
If Clinton is elected in November and has to step aside before the inauguration in January, the 20th Amendment stipulates that the vice president-elect — in that case, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine — would succeed to the presidency.
Next Page: What does this mean for November?
The Washington Post‘s Chris Cillizza admitted on Sunday that Clinton’s health has become a major campaign issue. Superficially, this seems to support Republican nominee Donald Trump, but the practical effect might actually bolster the hopes of Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson. Johnson, as a former governor of New Mexico, would arguably become the most qualified presidential candidate, despite his recent stumble answering a question about the city of Aleppo in Syria.
Were Hillary to drop out of the race, Republicans terrified of her becoming president might consider breaking with Trump. This could seriously bolster Johnson, who has recently polled above 10 percent in 42 states, and above 15 percent in 15 states. Depending on whom the Democrats pick, some would-be Clinton voters may also defect, pushing Johnson into the mid-twenties. This might not be enough to give him a true shot, but it might seriously impact the race.
Expect the 2016 election to become even more surprising than it already has been. Even if Clinton remains in the race, her numbers are likely to drop after these incidents. A race where the Democrat was solidly in the lead becomes a full toss-up, and perhaps even tilts in Trump’s favor. Also, there is no guarantee that the release of Hillary’s health records — and the resulting mistrust of her doctor — would not lead to increased scrutiny on Trump’s medical professionals.
Could both candidates fall under scrutiny? Could one of the major parties lose its candidate in the last two months before the election? Could the Democrat replacement of Hillary Clinton defeat Donald Trump in November? One thing is certain — America will be on its toes until the final ballot. Vote wisely.
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