The Black Lives Matter organization criticized the Democratic Party, calling them “hypocrites” for what they perceive as the appointment of Kamala Harris without a public voting process.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) has expressed concerns over the sudden nomination of Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate, calling for a more democratic process. The group, which has been a prominent voice in the fight against racial injustice, has accused the Democratic Party of attempting to manipulate Black voters by anointing Harris without a primary vote by the public.
BLM’s statement comes after President Joe Biden’s surprise withdrawal from the race and his endorsement of Harris as the new Democratic nominee. The group has criticized the party’s elite and billionaire donors for what they see as a blatant disregard for democratic principles.
“This is not an attack on Kamala Harris or Black women,” said Shalomyah Bowers, a BLM leader. “This is about the nominating process. We have no idea where Kamala Harris stands on the issues, now that she has assumed Joe Biden’s place, and we have no idea of the record of her potential vice president because we don’t even know who it is yet.”
“Those of us who care about the principles of democracy cannot be serious about installing Kamala Harris and an unknown vice president as the Democratic nominee without any semblance of a people-powered process,” Bowers said.
BLM has demanded that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) host an informal, virtual snap primary across the country before the DNC convention in August. This would allow for public participation and ensure a people-powered process, rather than a nomination by party delegates.
The group’s concerns highlight the tension between the Democratic Party’s establishment and its progressive wing. While some have praised Harris’s nomination as a historic moment for Black women, others have criticized the party’s lack of transparency and accountability in the nomination process.
As the Democratic Party moves forward with Harris as its nominee, it remains to be seen how BLM’s concerns will be addressed. The group’s demands for a more democratic process have sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater transparency and accountability in politics.
In a statement, BLM emphasized that “those of us who care about the principles of democracy cannot be serious about installing Kamala Harris and an unknown vice president as the Democratic nominee without any semblance of a people-powered process.”
The group’s call for a virtual snap primary has been met with support from some progressive groups, who see it as an opportunity to increase public participation and ensure a more democratic process.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: BLM’s concerns have highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in politics. Whether the Democratic Party will respond to these concerns remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the fight for a more democratic process is far from over.