We know that America’s two main political parties have very different approaches to public policy. But this historic moment highlights a staggering difference in how the parties pick and treat their leaders. To call Joe Biden’s withdrawal unprecedented is to really sell it short. Yes, there have been cases where presidents have been encouraged by aides and party officials to withdraw due in part to their unpopularity.
Party leaders did not want Donald Trump to be their nominee in 2016, but they ultimately pledged loyalty to him once he won the nomination. They have now functionally nominated him in three consecutive cycles.