Democratic insider Lindy Li disclosed that Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi opposed Kamala Harris becoming the 2024 nominee without a primary after President Biden’s sudden withdrawal.
Key Facts:
- Lindy Li, a DNC finance committee member, revealed Obama and Pelosi did not support Kamala Harris’s unopposed nomination.
- Obama was reportedly vetting other candidates, including Senator Mark Kelly, before Biden withdrew.
- President Biden’s endorsement of Harris blocked a Democratic primary, surprising many in the party.
- Li consulted with Pelosi before publicly urging Biden to step aside, indicating Pelosi’s openness to a primary.
- Many Democrats hoped for a “lightning round” primary that ultimately never occurred.
The Rest of The Story:
Lindy Li, a member of the Democratic National Committee’s finance committee, shared that former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opposed Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the 2024 presidential nominee without a primary.
Speaking to NewsNation, Li mentioned that both leaders preferred an open primary to select a new candidate following President Biden’s unexpected withdrawal. She indicated that Obama was considering other potential nominees, such as Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.
Li suggested that President Biden’s endorsement of Harris caught many Democrats off guard and effectively prevented a primary contest. She had consulted with Pelosi before publicly calling for Biden to step aside, noting that Pelosi was supportive of her stance. According to Li, many within the party were anticipating a primary rather than a direct coronation of Harris as the nominee.
Commentary:
President Biden’s decision to endorse Kamala Harris without opening the field to a primary appears to have been a departure from the wishes of key Democratic figures.
By sidestepping the traditional nomination process, Biden may have acted independently of party consensus, raising questions about his motives. Was this an act of conviction, believing Harris was unquestionably the right choice, or was it a response to feeling pressured to exit the race?
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Some might wonder if Biden’s move was a form of retaliation for being urged to step down, ensuring his chosen successor would take the helm without opposition. Without clear communication from Biden, it’s difficult to ascertain his reasoning.
What is evident, however, is that this decision has stirred unease within the party and left many Democrats contemplating the implications.
Ultimately, Biden’s endorsement of Harris without a primary has significant ramifications for party unity and democratic engagement. The lack of a competitive selection process may have denied the party an opportunity to coalesce around a candidate chosen through broader consensus.
The Bottom Line:
Lindy Li’s insights reveal internal divisions within the Democratic Party following Biden’s unexpected endorsement of Harris without a primary. As the party moves forward, questions remain about the impact of bypassing the traditional nomination process on party unity and voter engagement.
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