WI - Obama is killed at the 2008 Democratic National Convention?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_assassination_plot_in_Denver

On August 28th 2008, Barack Obama became the Democratic presidential nominee for that year's election. A few days earlier, three men were arrested after threatening to assassinate him - the credibility of the threat was increased after the men were found to have numerous weapons and other tactical equipment in their possession.

What if those men were never arrested, and went on to assassinate the then-Senator? Who would become the Democratic nominee? Would they win against McCain/Palin? How would the 2009-2013 presidential term play out?
 

Geon

Donor
First, it's likely you would have riots erupting throughout the country as a result of this event. There would be many who would say this was part of a larger conspiracy. I suspect many African-Americans might avoid the general elections for this very reason.

Secondly, Hilary Clinton becomes the most likely nominee for the Democratic party. That, in and of itself, is likely to promote a lot more in the way of conspiracy theories if anyone remembers the Clinton political history.

Hilary gets the nomination but whether she can retain the votes that went to Obama going up against McCain/Palin I do not know.
 
By this point, Biden would have been named the VP nominee so surely he'd be more likely to ascend to the top of the ticket?
 
By this point, Biden would have been named the VP nominee so surely he'd be more likely to ascend to the top of the ticket?
Hilary Clinton can argue that she had the second most delegates and have Joe Biden as her running mate. Hell even, U.S. Senator John Endwards from North Carolina, got more pleges than Biden.
The war on Terror would now turn on terrorist within the United States.
 

shiftygiant

Gone Fishin'
By this point, Biden would have been named the VP nominee so surely he'd be more likely to ascend to the top of the ticket?
Not how it works; an emergency meeting of the RNC is held and the nomination will be likely thrown to Clinton, as the runner up.
 
Based on the PoD and evidence OTL from the investigation, the shooters planned to shoot Obama once he'd been confirmed as the nominee during his acceptance speech, i.e. once he'd already been chosen so it makes more sense to elevate Biden due to his status as the running mate
 

shiftygiant

Gone Fishin'
Based on the PoD and evidence OTL from the investigation, the shooters planned to shoot Obama once he'd been confirmed as the nominee during his acceptance speech, i.e. once he'd already been chosen so it makes more sense to elevate Biden due to his status as the running mate
Except, as I note, that's note how it works. If a candidate is killed on the campaign trail, for either Party, even in the few moments after being named nominee, the Vice Presidential Nominee has no right in becoming the new Nominee for the Presidency. What happens is a special meeting of the Democratic National Committee is held, and they decide who is going to become the new nominee, which is more than likely going to fall on runner up- Hilary Clinton. Biden might be able to retain his position as the Vice Presidential nominee, but he's unlikely to be given the Presidential Nomination.
 
Except, as I note, that's note how it works. If a candidate is killed on the campaign trail, for either Party, even in the few moments after being named nominee, the Vice Presidential Nominee has no right in becoming the new Nominee for the Presidency. What happens is a special meeting of the Democratic National Committee is held, and they decide who is going to become the new nominee, which is more than likely going to fall on runner up- Hilary Clinton. Biden might be able to retain his position as the Vice Presidential nominee, but he's unlikely to be given the Presidential Nomination.

I'm not saying Biden automatically ascends, what I'm saying is he'd have a far greater chance at becoming the replacement nominee at said convention rather than a runner up in Clinton as Biden would have an equally good/better case as Clinton to argue for the nomination as Obama had picked him to be VP, i.e. to ascend if he were to relinquish the office of President.
 
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