Clyburn predicts a Democratic election loss if they have a contested convention. He warns that internal divisions could jeopardize their chances.
Rep. Jim Clyburn, a prominent Democrat and long-time ally of President Biden, has warned that the party risks losing the November election if it fails to unite behind a single presidential candidate. In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Clyburn expressed his concerns about the potential consequences of a contested convention, citing historical examples of divisive conventions that led to electoral defeats.
Clyburn’s comments come as the Democratic Party is grappling with the challenges of the 2024 election. With the convention just weeks away, the party is facing pressure to unite behind a candidate who can take on former President Trump and secure a victory in November. However, the party is deeply divided, with some calling for Biden to drop out of the race due to concerns about his ability to defeat Trump.
Despite his concerns, Clyburn reiterated his support for Biden, stating that he will back the president “until he changes his mind” about running. However, Clyburn’s comments also highlight the growing unease within the party about Biden’s candidacy. Sen. Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat from West Virginia, has also called for Biden to drop out of the race, citing concerns about his ability to win in November.
“If you go to the convention, have an open process in the convention, It will come out the same way it came out in 1968, 1972 and 1980,” Clyburn said.
The Biden campaign has pushed back against these calls, with campaign officials insisting that the president is committed to running and will emerge as the Democratic nominee. However, the campaign is also facing challenges on the ground, with some Democrats expressing frustration about the party’s messaging and strategy.
As the convention approaches, the party is facing a critical moment of decision. Will it unite behind Biden, or will it turn to a new candidate? The answer will have significant implications for the party’s chances in November, and for the future of American politics.
Clyburn’s warnings about the dangers of a contested convention are not idle threats. In 1968, the Democratic Party was torn apart by divisions over the Vietnam War, leading to a chaotic convention that nominated Vice President Hubert Humphrey. Humphrey went on to lose the election to Richard Nixon, in part due to the party’s divisions.
Similarly, in 1972, the party was divided between supporters of Sen. George McGovern and supporters of Sen. Hubert Humphrey, leading to a convention that was marked by chaos and division. McGovern went on to lose the election to Nixon in a landslide.
In 1980, the party was divided between supporters of President Jimmy Carter and supporters of Sen. Ted Kennedy, leading to a convention that was marked by division and acrimony. Carter went on to lose the election to Ronald Reagan.
These historical examples highlight the risks of a contested convention, and the importance of party unity in the face of a formidable opponent like Trump. As the Democratic Party grapples with its challenges, it would do well to remember the lessons of history, and to unite behind a candidate who can take on Trump and secure a victory in November.
