Leak suggests possibility of 'a competitive mini-primary' ahead of DNC

By 
 July 22, 2024

President Joe Biden put out a statement on social media this past weekend announcing that will not seek another term in the White House.

Yet while Biden was quick to endorse Harris, a recent leak suggests that the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) could be something other than a coronation. 

Anonymous Democratic figure suggests holding "a competitive mini-primary"

That's according to the Associated Press, which heard from a high-ranking Democratic figure who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The individual argued that Harris' candidacy would be aided by some sort of "a competitive mini-primary" prior to next month's DNC.

Doing so would help to mitigate allegations from Republicans that the Democratic Party's hierarchy is subverting the will of its primary voters.

Interestingly, the Associated Press pointed out that Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison did not endorse Harris to take over from Biden as the party's nominee.

Democratic National Committee chairman fails to endorse Harris

"The work that we must do now, while unprecedented, is clear," The Hill quoted Harrison as saying in a statement released on Sunday.

"In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November," Harrison continued.

"This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people," he added.

Harris is not alone in refusing to endorse the vice president, as the New York Post reported that former President Barack Obama did so as well.

"We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead," Obama declared. "But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges."

Gavin Newsom throws his support behind vice president

However, it is not yet clear who might challenge Harris for the Democratic Party's nomination, as several potential contenders have already voiced support for her.

One of them is California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who on Sunday hailed Harris as being "tenacious" and "fearless."

"With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America's Vice President," Axios quoted him as saying.

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