Democratic National Committee (DNC) officials are scrambling to ensure President Joe Biden secures his place on the Ohio ballot by organizing a virtual nomination ahead of the national convention. The move comes amid mounting pressure and internal party dissent over Biden's re-election bid.
The urgency to virtually nominate Biden stems from Ohio's ballot certification deadline of August 7, which precedes the DNC’s national convention scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago. Ohio's Republican-controlled legislature has not agreed on a solution to extend the deadline, prompting DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison to assert the party will take necessary actions to ensure Biden’s nomination and prevent any "partisan tricks" from undermining the democratic process.
EP60: Dems Pressure Joe Biden to Step Down as Trump Prepares to Accept Nomination at RNC Convention WATCH HERE: https://t.co/1k6ZoytdG5 https://t.co/aeuLt4ctdL
— LoomerUnleashed (@LoomerUnleashed) July 18, 2024
This decision mirrors the DNC's approach in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, where a virtual roll call was utilized to nominate candidates. While the traditional in-person convention will still occur, it will mainly serve ceremonial purposes.
The push for an early virtual nomination is also seen as an attempt to quell rising dissent within the Democratic Party. Following a series of gaffes and a notably poor debate performance, prominent Democrats and strategists have expressed concerns about Biden’s ability to lead the ticket in November.
Yikes.
Biden's team is throwing Pelosi, Schumer and even Obama under the bus.
If Biden isn't leaving the race after these 3 have spoken t him, I have a hard time believing he's going to leave the race at all.
Source: NBC News pic.twitter.com/NJCqwMaKaJ
— American Hill (@TheAmericanHill) July 18, 2024
Some party members are advocating for Biden to step down, fearing his continued candidacy might jeopardize their own electoral prospects.
At a private meeting, senior House Democrats, including Judiciary ranking member Jerry Nadler, reportedly advised Speaker Hakeem Jeffries that Biden should withdraw from the race. This sentiment is echoed by others in the party, who cite Biden's age and perceived decline in vigor as significant liabilities.
Despite these pressures, Biden remains defiant. In a recent interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, Biden dismissed the notion of dropping out, even suggesting divine intervention would be required for him to reconsider his candidacy. He maintained that he has daily cognitive assessments and is fit to serve another term.
The situation underscores a broader anxiety within the Democratic Party as it prepares for the 2024 election. While the virtual nomination aims to secure Biden’s place on the ballot, it also highlights the party's internal struggles and the delicate balance they must strike to unify ahead of the general election.
