In a recent meeting, Nancy Pelosi highlighted the necessity of an open nomination process if President Biden decides to step aside for the 2024 election.
Politico reported that Pelosi and California Democrats discussed an open process to avoid giving the impression of an automatic promotion for Kamala Harris should President Biden opt-out. The gathering occurred on July 10 at the Capitol, with 40 members of the California delegation in attendance.
The main topic of conversation was how to handle the nomination process if Biden does not seek reelection. Concerns were particularly focused on avoiding the appearance of a preordained nomination for Vice President Harris.
Pelosi, emphasizing an open process, warned against turning off voters by giving the impression that party elites were selecting their next leader without input from the party's base. “Nancy was leading that charge that it needed to be an open process,” said a person briefed on the meeting.
This issue is significant given Pelosi's visibility and influence within the party and her previous comments about Biden's condition since the June 27 debate. Comments like these have added momentum to the discussion.
While Pelosi's allies, including Rep. Adam Schiff, are advocating for Biden to exit, opinions on the process diverge within the party. Some Democrats fear that an open process could slow Harris down and allow other potential candidates to emerge.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren emphasized the need for a transparent method, saying, “Should he make that decision, there will have to be quick steps. I don’t think we can do a coronation, but obviously the vice president would be the leading candidate.”
Several members suggested alternatives like a “blitz primary,” a concept gaining traction among House Democrats and originally floated by those close to the Obama administration. This term refers to a fast-tracked primary process designed to rapidly determine the party’s nominee.
High-profile Democrats, including Governors Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer, have both stated that they would not run against Harris, showing some unity behind her potential candidacy.
Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding the nomination process continues to foster debate within the party.
Members like Rep. Greg Landsman are vocal in their support of Harris. Landsman openly supported Harris, arguing, “I think she is the best person. How that plays out? I don’t know. I know that people are worried and have legitimate concerns. It’s unknown and there’s uncertainty in that. And I get it. I’m right there, too, but I think this is the right thing.”
While Harris has shown strength in public and private polls, particularly among Black voters, skepticism remains within the party about her ability to win and unify the party for the House elections.
An anonymous battleground Democratic lawmaker remarked on voter reservations, noting, “I’ve talked to some Democrats. They don’t want Kamala Harris.”
These sentiments reflect a broader concern about whether Harris can galvanize the party’s base and maintain a strong voter turnout. The anonymous lawmaker continued, “Either way, I think it looks difficult in November. Unless you get somebody who really will unite everybody together. But if you get another candidate, what happens to Kamala?”
Timing is another critical factor. If Biden decides to opt out soon, the party would need to make quick decisions concerning endorsements and support for the nominee.
This urgency increases the stakes in ensuring a fair and open process, as any appearance of rush or favoritism could prove detrimental to voter confidence.
The meeting revealed that while Harris has significant support, notably from California, where she is expected to garner several endorsements, the party remains divided on how best to proceed.
The urgency of Democratic strategy is highlighted by the mixed reactions and the emphasis on how best to position the party for the upcoming elections.
In conclusion, Pelosi and her allies are pushing for a transparent nomination process to maintain party unity and voter confidence.
The meeting illuminated the differing perspectives within the party, with some advocating for a fast-tracked primary process to ensure the selection represents the party's broad support base.
As discussions continue, the Democrats must navigate these complexities to present a united front for the 2024 election.
