An unlikely source, Black Lives Matter (BLM), has issued a statement urging the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to organize a “virtual snap primary,” expressing concerns over Vice President Kamala Harris’s presumptive nomination as the party’s presidential candidate. The group criticized what it sees as the “anointing” of Harris, stressing the need for a more democratic and transparent nomination process.
On Tuesday, BLM admitted that while President Joe Biden was not their “preferred candidate,” the group could not “ignore the troubling actions of the Democratic Party.” They called for a nationwide primary to be held before the Democratic National Convention in August. This appeal follows the news that Harris has secured enough delegates to clinch the party’s nomination.
“We do not live in a dictatorship,” the group wrote. “Delegates are not oligarchs. Any attempt to evade or override the will of voters in our primary system must be condemned. We demand an informal, virtual snap primary now that the incumbent president is no longer in the running.”
The statement was released shortly after President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would not seek re-election and endorsed Harris as his successor. BLM argued that the nomination process should involve public participation rather than being decided solely by party delegates.
“Black Lives Matter demands that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) immediately host an informal, virtual snap primary across the country prior to the DNC convention in August,” BLM declared. “We call for the Rules Committee to create a process that allows for public participation in the nomination process, not just a nomination by party delegates.”
BLM described the current political situation within the Democratic Party as “unprecedented” due to Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the presidential race. The group emphasized the need for decisive action to maintain the integrity of democracy and the voices of Black voters.
“This moment calls for decisive action to protect the integrity of our democracy and the voices of Black voters,” the group stated. “While Joe Biden wasn’t our preferred candidate, we cannot ignore the troubling actions of the Democratic Party.”
The Associated Press reports that BLM highlighted several grievances with the DNC’s actions, including the refusal to host primary debates and changes to the primary schedule, which they claim made it impossible for other candidates to appear on the ballot. They also criticized the treatment of Biden following a poor debate performance, alleging that party elites and billionaire donors pressured him to withdraw from the race.
Following Biden’s exit, numerous prominent Democrats, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and former President Bill Clinton, among others, have endorsed Harris. BLM contends that this rush to support Harris undermines democratic principles.
“This is not an attack on Kamala Harris or Black women, and right now we aren’t questioning Kamala’s qualifications or capabilities,” said Shalomyah Bowers, a BLM leader. “This is about the nominating process.”
In their closing remarks, BLM reiterated their commitment to democratic values and the importance of a nomination process that reflects the will of the people. They called for immediate action from the DNC to host a virtual snap primary, ensuring that the voices of Black voters and the broader electorate are heard.