Politics
This is the only way Kamala Harris can still become president of the United States
She may have lost to Donald Trump by a smaller margin than expected when all votes were counted, but there is a way she can sneak into the White House.
Imagine a scenario where the vice president suddenly finds herself in the Oval Office, not by election but through an unexpected twist of fate. This is the only way Kamala Harris could still become president of the United States: if President Joe Biden were to pass away before January 20, 2025.
In this scenario, Harris would automatically become president and serve out the remainder of Biden’s term until the inauguration of the newly elected president, which would be Donald Trump.
The U.S. Constitution and subsequent amendments clearly outline the process of presidential succession. The 20th Amendment to the constitution states: “If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President.”
This transfer of power is automatic and does not require any additional procedures or approvals.
What would a Harris presidency look like in this scenario?
If this unlikely scenario were to occur, Harris would serve as president for a very brief period - potentially just a few days or weeks. During this time, she would have all the powers and responsibilities of the presidency, including the ability to make executive decisions and sign legislation.
Apart from executive orders, Harris would be practically unable to pass any legislation. After the recent elections, the Republicans control both the House and the Senate, giving them the power to torpedo any legislation she attempts to pass.
Such a presidency would be unprecedented. Nine vice presidents became president after the incumbent president bequethed power, with the most recent being Gerald Ford for Richard Nixon in 1974. Lyndon B. Johnson was the last VP to become president when his senior died, his predecessor being John F. Kennedy.
No vice president in history has become president this close to a change of government.
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