Pelosi Supports Open Nomination Process if Biden Withdraws
Some House Democrats from California prefer that the process of selecting a new presidential candidate does not give the appearance of being a Kamala Harris coronation.
TroibNews 
In a recent meeting with California Democrats, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi emphasized the importance of an open process for selecting the party’s next nominee if President Joe Biden decides not to run, aiming to avoid any perception of a predetermined choice for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The discussion among the 40-member California delegation took place at the Capitol on July 10, focusing partly on the Democratic Party's next steps if Biden steps down. Concerns were raised about the potential downsides of party elites quickly endorsing Harris as the next nominee, according to four individuals familiar with the private conversation.
Pelosi and several other California Democrats highlighted the risk of alienating voters with an uncompetitive process, the sources indicated.
The apprehension wasn't about Harris' qualifications; many agreed she should be the next candidate. However, worries centered on the perception that party officials, rather than the party's base, were determining the nominee.
“Nancy was leading that charge that it needed to be an open process,” said one individual who was briefed on the meeting.
This debate is occurring across various levels of the Democratic Party but is particularly significant coming from a group led by Pelosi, who has been a key figure in discussing Biden’s condition post the controversial June 27 debate.
For instance, hours before this delegation meeting, Pelosi made notable comments on MSNBC suggesting Biden hadn’t yet decided about reelection, offering fellow Democrats room to voice their concerns. Additionally, some of Pelosi’s California allies, including Rep. Adam Schiff, are urging Biden to step aside.
Despite this, not all Democrats, even those who believe Biden should step down, agree on moving toward a more open convention process. Some see this push as an attempt to slow Harris down and allow other candidates to emerge.
The California delegation, considering Harris' ties to the state, is a natural support base for her. Should Harris step in, several endorsements are anticipated, according to four Democrats connected to the delegation.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), an ally of Pelosi, advocated for a “transparent public process” on MSNBC.
“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 noted, suggesting a “mini primary” hosted by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
The idea of a “blitz primary” is gaining traction among House Democrats, especially in the California delegation, and was initially proposed by those close to the Obama administration. However, some dismiss it as impractical with the limited time before the convention.
Alternatively, Harris could be acknowledged as the strong front-runner while still allowing an open process, with the assumption that few viable candidates would challenge her. Democratic Govs. Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer have already indicated they would not run against Harris.
If Biden exits soon, Democrats will face an immediate decision on how to proceed, including whether Biden will endorse Harris and how other party leaders might respond.
A fundamental question is whether Harris can secure a win and help Democrats reclaim the House. Some battleground Democrats have approached House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, asserting Harris would be a strong alternative to Biden. Others are awaiting further polling data.
Current public and private polls show Harris slightly outpacing Biden and performing well among critical demographics, particularly Black voters. Harris' supporters argue that these polls reflect her baseline and that her support would grow if she became the party's head.
Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), who recently called for Biden to end his campaign, supports Harris and believes she can win in 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 battleground Democrat expressed doubts, stating the vice president would struggle to win in their district.
“I’ve talked to some Democrats. They don’t want Kamala Harris,” this member said, highlighting 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?”
Anthony Adragna contributed to this report.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
The discussion among the 40-member California delegation took place at the Capitol on July 10, focusing partly on the Democratic Party's next steps if Biden steps down. Concerns were raised about the potential downsides of party elites quickly endorsing Harris as the next nominee, according to four individuals familiar with the private conversation.
Pelosi and several other California Democrats highlighted the risk of alienating voters with an uncompetitive process, the sources indicated.
The apprehension wasn't about Harris' qualifications; many agreed she should be the next candidate. However, worries centered on the perception that party officials, rather than the party's base, were determining the nominee.
“Nancy was leading that charge that it needed to be an open process,” said one individual who was briefed on the meeting.
This debate is occurring across various levels of the Democratic Party but is particularly significant coming from a group led by Pelosi, who has been a key figure in discussing Biden’s condition post the controversial June 27 debate.
For instance, hours before this delegation meeting, Pelosi made notable comments on MSNBC suggesting Biden hadn’t yet decided about reelection, offering fellow Democrats room to voice their concerns. Additionally, some of Pelosi’s California allies, including Rep. Adam Schiff, are urging Biden to step aside.
Despite this, not all Democrats, even those who believe Biden should step down, agree on moving toward a more open convention process. Some see this push as an attempt to slow Harris down and allow other candidates to emerge.
The California delegation, considering Harris' ties to the state, is a natural support base for her. Should Harris step in, several endorsements are anticipated, according to four Democrats connected to the delegation.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), an ally of Pelosi, advocated for a “transparent public process” on MSNBC.
“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 noted, suggesting a “mini primary” hosted by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
The idea of a “blitz primary” is gaining traction among House Democrats, especially in the California delegation, and was initially proposed by those close to the Obama administration. However, some dismiss it as impractical with the limited time before the convention.
Alternatively, Harris could be acknowledged as the strong front-runner while still allowing an open process, with the assumption that few viable candidates would challenge her. Democratic Govs. Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer have already indicated they would not run against Harris.
If Biden exits soon, Democrats will face an immediate decision on how to proceed, including whether Biden will endorse Harris and how other party leaders might respond.
A fundamental question is whether Harris can secure a win and help Democrats reclaim the House. Some battleground Democrats have approached House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, asserting Harris would be a strong alternative to Biden. Others are awaiting further polling data.
Current public and private polls show Harris slightly outpacing Biden and performing well among critical demographics, particularly Black voters. Harris' supporters argue that these polls reflect her baseline and that her support would grow if she became the party's head.
Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), who recently called for Biden to end his campaign, supports Harris and believes she can win in 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 battleground Democrat expressed doubts, stating the vice president would struggle to win in their district.
“I’ve talked to some Democrats. They don’t want Kamala Harris,” this member said, highlighting 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?”
Anthony Adragna contributed to this report.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
