Black Lives Matter Demands Virtual Primary Ahead of DNC Convention Following Harris Nomination
In a bold move, Black Lives Matter has called on the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to immediately organize an informal, virtual snap primary across the country ahead of the DNC convention in August. This demand comes in the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris securing enough delegates for the nomination.
Black Lives Matter, a decentralized political and racial justice movement that gained prominence during the 2020 protests, issued a statement highlighting the need for public participation in the nomination process. The group stressed that the current political landscape, with President Joe Biden stepping aside, is unprecedented and requires decisive action to protect the integrity of democracy and the voices of Black voters.
“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,” the statement read. BLM criticized the Democratic Party’s actions, pointing out that President Biden, though not their preferred candidate, was pushed out of the race by party elites and billionaire donors after a single poor debate performance.
The movement expressed concerns over the nomination of Kamala Harris and an unknown vice president without a primary vote by the public. “Now, Democratic Party elites and billionaire donors are attempting to manipulate Black voters by anointing Kamala Harris and an unknown vice president as the new Democratic ticket without a primary vote by the public,” BLM noted.
While acknowledging the historic potential of a Harris presidency, BLM emphasized that the process must align with true democratic values. “We have no idea where Kamala Harris stands on the issues, now that she has assumed Joe Biden’s place, and we have no idea of the record of her potential vice president because we don’t even know who it is yet,” the group stated.
Shalomyah Bowers, a Black Lives Matter leader, clarified that the demand is not an attack on Kamala Harris or Black women. “This is about the nominating process,” Bowers said, underscoring the need for transparency and public involvement in selecting the Democratic nominee.