Time for an Open Democratic Convention for the World to See*
On 21 July 2024, four months before the US Presidential election, President Biden did the statesman-like thing and withdrew his nomination for the 2024 election. The timing of his decision has left enough time to reconfigure the Democratic Party’s nomination, but also created issues over the appropriate processes for democratically choosing the nominee.
President Biden had every right to endorse his Vice President, Kamela Harris, for the nomination. In doing so, President Biden has kicked off a bandwagon of support for her candidacy. Dozens of senior Democratic politicians and donors have signalled their support, including such notable politicians as the Clintons. Many argue that the nomination should move quickly ahead to avoid chaos at the Convention. Some have even suggested a mini-primary before the 2024 Democratic National Convention from 19-22 August to avoid hard-hitting debate on the convention floor that could divide the party. However, whether you prefer Kamala Harris for President or not, the process matters. It is critical to avoid even the appearance of anointing the next President, which could lose or divide the party as well.
This is why it might well be wise to do everything possible to support an open convention. Lively campaigns up to and following the convention could inspire the American electorate and show that a creative Democratic Party can make democracy work – that the process matters. Moreover, support for an open convention has been expressed by other notable politicians and donors, including former President Obama, and by many who choose not to endorse a candidate now in ways that would bias the selection process.
Arguably, your choice of candidates should not be confused with your choice of the best process for choosing the party’s candidate. A well-managed open convention is less likely to be interpreted as an appointment by the party’s elite. Kamala Harris herself recognises the need to ‘earn’ her nomination. Let her compete in a democratic process in an open convention. It is indeed a trip back to the future but in a day with no smoke-filled rooms and no stitch-ups. The world is watching.
*These views are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or institution I am associated with.