Staff Reports
Biden’s graceful exit from the Democratic primary scene raises eyebrows and invites a hearty chuckle or two, especially for those who enjoy a bit of political irony. It appears that President Biden, aided by his party, has once again demonstrated that the Democrat nomination process is more akin to a game of musical chairs rather than a true democratic endeavor. The irony is palpable—just as the president calls for “diversity” within the party’s ranks, a move that disenfranchises voters faster than you can say “South Carolina.”
The saga commenced in late 2022 when Biden conjured the brilliant idea that the primary process needed a makeover. In a letter to the Democratic National Committee (DNC), he suggested new changes that would result in South Carolina taking the lead in the primary calendar. This sparked a response quicker than a cat reacting to a cucumber, with the DNC promptly rewarding Biden’s request. A bold move, considering that it was South Carolina that resurrected his 2020 campaign from the proverbial grave, after disastrous showings in Iowa and New Hampshire, where he placed fourth and fifth, respectively. The party seems to have conveniently forgotten about that tradition in favor of self-preservation.
By shifting the spotlight to South Carolina, the DNC practically rolled out the red carpet for Biden, making it easier than ever for him to snag the nomination, much like grabbing an extra slice of pizza at the end of a party. This latest maneuver effectively turned the nominating process into a one-man show, ensuring that the president wouldn’t face any serious challengers—unless one counts the minor distractions provided by Rep. Dean Phillips (who?) and self-help guru Marianne Williamson. All this while independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was left shaking his head, calling out the DNC for orchestrating a primary system that resembled a rigged carnival game.
Kennedy Jr. voiced concerns about the lack of debates and the scheduling changes that sidelined New Hampshire—a state historically important to the primary process. This state is often viewed as a litmus test of sorts, where candidates get to know the voters and vice versa. By skipping over New Hampshire, the DNC deprived the process of its usual rigors, which might resemble the fast track with a little less traffic for the president. If making things easier for Biden wasn’t enough, the notion that a few delegates would now decide the fate of the candidacy instead of the voters is almost comically absurd.
Republicans across the board have gleefully noted that Biden’s soft landing on the nomination ballot seems to fly in the face of the very principles the Democrats tout—such as democracy and voter empowerment. In fact, Rep. Carlos Giménez highlighted an astounding irony: the Democrats, who often position themselves as defenders of democracy, seem more ready to party it up at the convention than actually let people vote on their nominee. His call for Biden to resign resonates with many who observe the increasingly shaky ground that the Biden administration is treading.
I don’t ever want them to hear them screech about “dEmOcRaCy!” again.
They just told 14 million primary voters & their base that they don’t have the right to choose their candidate.
Nothing these demons won’t do to keep power. Remember that. https://t.co/jSBjxiGYFS
— 🌺Rhonda (@rhondacarlisle9) July 22, 2024
As the dust settles, all eyes are on Vice President Kamala Harris, who appears to be consolidating support among significant factions of the party. However, former President Obama appears to be keeping a distance from the whole mess, advocating for an open process at the convention. This leaves many wondering whether the DNC is really set to allow a free-for-all or if they are just looking to shoehorn Harris into a position she hasn’t precisely earned through traditional means. As Biden’s story comes to a close—at least as a candidate—the narrative remains amusing; the question now is who will emerge from the chaos with any semblance of legitimacy.
