What is the 22nd amendment of the US constitution that forbids Obama from running again?
After Biden’s withdrawal from the race, some have asked about whether Barack Obama can take his place. However, a constitutional amendment prohibits it.
After weeks of speculation and after dozens of voices- including those from his own party- called for his withdrawal, President Joe Biden has finally announced his exit from the race for the presidency of the country. This paves the way for a new Democratic candidate to challenge Donald Trump in the general elections on November 5.
Even before the president made his announcement, some had already been asking if former President Barack Obama could take his place. Unfortunately for those who are in favor of this happening, Obama cannot take Biden’s place in the race given what is established in the 22nd amendment to the United States Constitution.
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What is the 22nd amendment of the US constitution that forbids Obama from running again?
The 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution establishes a term limit for the president of the United States. This amendment was passed by Congress on March 21, 1947 and ratified on February 27, 1951. As it reads, no person may be elected more than twice for the position of president.
“No person may be elected more than twice to the office of President, and no person who has held the office of President, or who has acted as President for more than two years of a term for which another person was elected, may be elected more than once to the office of president.”
Since Obama was elected president of the country twice, from January 20, 2009 to January 20, 2017, the 22nd Amendment prohibits him from running for office again. There have been calls as well for his wife and former first lady, Michelle Obama, to take Biden’s place, but she has stated on multiple occasions she is not interested in the position.
That said, the Democrats have less than a month to find a replacement, since the Democratic National Convention, where the Party’s candidate is made official, will take place from August 19 to 22 in Illinois.