Concerns Over Potential Kamala Harris Coronation
In a meeting with fellow California Democrats last week, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi emphasized the need for an open and transparent process to select the Democratic Party’s next nominee if President Joe Biden steps aside. This approach aims to avoid the perception of an automatic coronation for Vice President Kamala Harris.
California Delegation Meeting
The discussion took place on July 10 among the California delegation, which includes 40 members. The meeting focused on the next steps for the Democratic Party should Biden leave the ticket. Pelosi and others voiced concerns about the potential political fallout if party elites were seen as unilaterally choosing the next president, rather than allowing the party’s base to have a say.
“Nancy was leading that charge that it needed to be an open process,” said a person briefed on the meeting, who spoke anonymously to avoid repercussions from House leadership. The concern was not about Harris’ qualifications but rather the optics of an uncompetitive selection process.
Public and Private Advocacy
Pelosi has been actively discussing Biden’s future, both publicly and privately. On the same day as the delegation meeting, Pelosi appeared on MSNBC, suggesting that Biden had not yet decided on running for reelection. This provided cover for other Democrats to speak out.
Rep. Adam Schiff, likely to soon become a senator for California, and other Pelosi allies have been vocal about Biden stepping aside. However, there is a split within the party on how to proceed, with some viewing the push for an open process as a way to slow Harris’ momentum and allow other contenders to emerge.
Harris’ Support and Opposition
Harris, who lives in Los Angeles and previously represented California in the Senate, is expected to garner immediate endorsements from several California Democrats if she becomes the nominee. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a longtime ally of Pelosi, advocated for a “transparent public process” on MSNBC, suggesting a “mini primary” to ensure fairness.
“Should he make that decision, there will have to be quick steps. I don’t think we can do a coronation, but obviously the vice president would be the leading candidate,” Lofgren said.
Potential Primary Process
The idea of a “blitz primary” has gained traction among House Democrats, initially proposed by those close to the Obama administration. Others dismiss it as impractical given the limited time before the convention. Another approach could see Harris as the strong front-runner in an open process, with few Democrats daring to challenge her.
Democratic Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan have both indicated they would not run against Harris.
Questions of Electability
If Biden steps aside soon, Democrats face urgent questions about how to proceed. A major issue will be whether Biden endorses Harris and if other party leaders follow suit. There is also concern over whether Harris can win and help Democrats retain the House.
Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) expressed support for Harris, stating she could win his district. “I think she is the best person,” he said. “How that plays out? I don’t know. I know that people are worried and have legitimate concerns. It’s unknown and there’s uncertainty in that. And I get it. I’m right there, too, but I think this is the right thing.”
However, another Democratic lawmaker, speaking anonymously, doubted Harris’ electability in their district. “I’ve talked to some Democrats. They don’t want Kamala Harris,” they said, noting voter concerns. “Either way, I think it looks difficult in November. Unless you get somebody who really will unite everybody together. But if you get another candidate, what happens to Kamala?”
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