Some Democrats Condemn Plan to Virtually Nominate Biden Before Convention

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Facts

  • The Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced Wednesday it plans to hold a virtual roll call to nominate Pres. Joe Biden to the party's 2024 ticket, but not until at least Aug. 1. The party's official nominating convention is scheduled for Aug. 19.1
  • The DNC was considering holding the virtual vote July 21 — initially because of an Ohio deadline to get on the ballot. That deadline was negated by new legislation, but the Biden campaign said it still wants to hold an early virtual roll call in order to avoid another attempt by Ohio Republicans to keep the president off the ballot.2
  • The July vote had prompted Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) to write a letter, endorsed by several other Democrats, objecting to the early date. But after it was decided there would not be a virtual vote until August, Huffman said the letter wouldn't be sent.2
  • At least 20 Democrats in Congress have called for Biden to step aside, the latest being Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) — who is currently running for US Senate — who said he believes it's time for Biden "to pass the torch" because another Trump presidency will "undermine the very foundation of our democracy."3
  • Biden has already earned the overwhelming majority of party delegates, meaning there's no way to oust him from the race unless he voluntarily steps down. If the virtual nomination takes place, Democrats can reportedly select a different candidate if Biden decides to withdraw.4
  • Should Biden step down, the DNC would hold an open convention where new candidates would be proposed, and delegates would cast votes until one is selected.5

Sources: 1The Hill, 2NPR Online News, 3WSJ, 4The New York Times and 5FOX News.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by The New York Times. While the DNC thinks pushing through a virtual vote will save Biden's election prospects, the truth is that nothing will quell voters' concerns about his age and fitness for office. As former Pres. Donald Trump has built a stronger coalition than ever before, Democratic politicians, donors, and voters have given up on Biden. An alternative candidate can beat Trump — but if Biden refuses to step down, Trump and his MAGA policies will enter the White House next year.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Intelligencer. Since it appears Biden won't be stepping down, Democrats must stop talking about his foibles and get behind him as their 2024 candidate. Biden's first term has been successful — deepening relationships with key allies and showing his strength in foreign policy. Democrats should focus on hounding Trump about his criminal cases and pointing out the horrors of Project 2025 and a radical GOP.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by PJ Media. Democrats have no one to blame for this situation but themselves. They forced America to take a mentally deteriorating man as their president, and now that he's in power and doesn't want to give it up, they have no way of forcing him out. As Biden becomes more lost and irritable, Trump is winning over the hearts and minds of Americans.

Predictions