Black Lives Matter issued a statement earlier this week “demanding” the Democrat National Committee host an “informal, virtual snap primary” prior to the convention in August.
“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 said. “The current political landscape is unprecedented, with President Biden stepping aside in a manner never seen before. This moment calls for decisive action to protect the integrity of our democracy and the voices of black voters.”
The group acknowledged Biden was not its preferred candidate, but noted the DNC refused to host debates during the primary, which would have allowed America to see Biden’s decline in 2023. The DNC also changed the primary schedule and created rules making it “almost impossible” for non-Biden candidates to appear on the ballot.
“Following the primary where millions of black voters weighed in, after one poor debate performance, the DNC Party elites and billionaire donors bullied Joe Biden out of the race,” BLM said. “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.
“This blatant disregard for democratic principles is unacceptable. While the potential outcome of a Harris presidency may be historic, the process to achieve it must align with true democratic values.”
The group said it has “no idea” where Harris stands on the issues and no idea of the record of her potential running mate since that person is not yet known. It added Democrats have taken the votes of black voters for granted “time and again” while prioritizing political theatrics over the real needs of black voters.
“So we will do the hard thing: we will celebrate, and honor the joy many in our community are feeling about Kamala’s historic candidacy and path to the nomination — while calling out the undemocratic process and engaging in a vigorous discussion on the issue our community cares about. We do not live in a dictatorship. Delegates are not oligarchs. Any attempt to evade or override the will of voters in our primary system — no matter how historic the candidate — must be condemned.”
