Former Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's claims that Vice President Kamala Harris won an "open" primary process for the party's 2020 presidential nomination are facing backlash from critics who argue that the process was far from transparent and democratic.
Former Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has come under fire for her recent remarks about the Democratic presidential nominating process in 2020, which many have compared to Hillary Clinton's controversial "basket of deplorables" comment.
On Wednesday, Pelosi insisted that the party's presidential nominating process after President Biden dropped out was "open," and Vice President Kamala Harris "won it," despite the absence of any such contest. This assertion has sparked outrage among conservatives and even some Democrats.
Pelosi's False Assertion of an 'Open' Primary in Harris' Nomination Draws Criticism
Pelosi's claim that the primary was "open" is disputed by critics who point out that no other candidates entered the race to challenge Harris after Biden withdrew. This lack of competition undermines the notion of an open and transparent process.
Pelosi defended her position by stating that Harris had a "running start" because she was tapped by Biden as his successor. However, this does not justify the absence of a competitive primary process, which is essential for ensuring a fair and legitimate nomination.
Pelosi's False Assertion of an 'Open' Primary in Harris' Nomination Draws Criticism
Critics also question Pelosi's motives for making such a statement, suggesting that she may be trying to downplay intra-party pressure and appease the Democratic establishment.
Conservatives have seized on Pelosi's comments as evidence of the Democratic Party's disregard for democratic norms. Ryan Walker of Heritage Action For America called the nomination process "a joke," while Jenny Beth Martin of the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund accused Pelosi of lying about the openness of the primary.
Pelosi's False Assertion of an 'Open' Primary in Harris' Nomination Draws Criticism
Academic elections experts have weighed in on the matter, asserting that while the process may have gone against contemporary norms, it was not necessarily illegal or undemocratic. They argue that parties have the authority to determine their own nomination procedures.
Experts also noted that the nomination process for Harris was not entirely unprecedented. They pointed to former President Gerald Ford, who was not subjected to any primaries or national referendums.
Pelosi's False Assertion of an 'Open' Primary in Harris' Nomination Draws Criticism
Pelosi has defended her comments, reiterating that the process was "open" and that anyone could have entered the race. However, her assertion that Harris "won" an open primary remains highly contentious.
Pelosi's remarks have ignited a debate about the fairness and transparency of the Democratic presidential nominating process in 2020. Critics argue that the absence of a competitive primary undermines the legitimacy of Harris' nomination, while experts maintain that the party has the right to establish its own procedures.
