In a move that could reshape the Democratic primary landscape, major donors are organizing a mini-primary to challenge Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 nomination.
The Washington Examiner reported that with President Joe Biden potentially stepping down from the presidential race, a fierce competition within the Democratic Party is expected to determine his successor.
Amid mounting pressure for Biden to drop out, Vice President Kamala Harris is not guaranteed to be the natural successor.
A consortium of Democratic donors, led by former PayPal and Intuit CEO Bill Harris, is preparing to ensure a competitive nomination process.
Bill Harris and his group have pledged $2 million to fund a mini-primary. This effort aims to create an open contest to identify the best candidate to succeed Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee.
The funds will be allocated to set up televised debates among leading Democratic candidates.
Bill Harris emphasizes that these debates are crucial to capturing public attention and ensuring a fair competition.
“Televised debates with such a powerful cast will grip the country and instantly catapult at least some of them into the public imagination,” Bill Harris stated.
Despite the pressure, President Biden reiterated his commitment to running for re-election at a rally in Madison, Wisconsin.
“I am running and going to win again,” he asserted. However, Bill Harris has raised concerns about Biden’s age and mental sharpness, which have prompted his efforts.
Because campaign funds from Biden and Harris cannot be transferred to a new campaign easily, replacing Biden with Harris on the ticket remains the simplest way to retain these funds. However, Bill Harris insists this should not deter a transparent and competitive process.
Bill Harris established a super PAC called Democrats for the Next Generation. This group is highlighting ten potential candidates aged under 60, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Raphael Warnock, and Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna.
Other names on the list include Governors Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, J.B. Pritzker, Josh Shapiro, and Andy Beshear. Additionally, Gov. Wes Moore and Sen. Bernie Sanders are mentioned as potential candidates, along with former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama.
“The voters have been there for a long time. It’s the Democratic establishment and the Beltway community that has been so slow and reluctant to face reality,” Bill Harris remarked.
Bill Harris argues that featuring a dynamic and younger pool of candidates in public debates will reinvigorate Democratic voters. He believes these debates will lead to a fresh and engaging primary process.
“It’s not that we have to protect ourselves from chaos and drama. We need drama and a little chaos. I think it can be refreshing and energizing,” he noted.
As the prospect of Biden's withdrawal looms, some Democratic factions are maneuvering to ensure Harris’ smooth transition to the top of the ticket. However, the organized push by Bill Harris and his group indicates that there will likely be a vigorous competition.
The emphasis on televised debates signifies a departure from simply uniting behind an heir apparent. This new approach signals an intent to allow voters rather than party elites to shape the upcoming electoral contest.
Despite Biden’s firm public stance, the discussions indicate an awareness within the party of the need for a potentially younger and dynamic leadership slate to meet voter expectations.
As the primaries approach, the mini primary will undoubtedly bring heightened scrutiny and interest to the Democratic lineup, with candidates such as Harris, Newsom, Whitmer, and others preparing for a potential showdown.
This initiative sets the stage for a potentially contentious but revitalizing primary season. The Democratic Party looks poised for an animated selection process that could redefine its leadership trajectory heading into 2024.
With Democratic donors organizing a "mini primary" to ensure a fair and competitive selection for the 2024 nomination, the move reflects growing anticipation of President Biden potentially stepping down.
Led by Bill Harris, the effort will feature televised debates among top Democratic contenders, including Vice President Kamala Harris and others. This initiative aims to invigorate the nomination process and present voters with a choice deeply rooted in transparent and democratic values.
