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Democratic Party Nominee Selection Process Under Fire Amid Controversy: Explored on The Earl Ingram Show

DNC defends the nomination of Kamala Harris as Republicans call it unfair and The Earl Ingram Show welcomes a guest with inside knowledge of the process

By Teri Barr

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The Democratic Party’s nomination of Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate continues to spark controversy and debate even as the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is underway in Chicago. And with questions surrounding the selection process of a nominee who never officially ran for president, Earl Ingram, host of The Earl Ingram Show, is joined by Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy. He serves on the DNC’s rules committee and explains the intricate procedures that led to the Harris nomination.

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“Traditionally, the party’s nominee is selected by delegates at the Democratic National Convention, with the primary elections serving as an indicator of the people’s will,” Kennedy says. “However, the rules allow delegates to vote freely, regardless of primary outcomes.”

“Is this year’s process complicated by Ohio’s requirement that political parties submit their nominees at least 90 days before the election,” Ingram asks.

“It is a deadline the Democrats feared could trigger legal challenges if missed,” Kennedy says. “To avoid this, the DNC conducted its delegate election early, leading to the nomination of Harris after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.”

The DNC is officially dismissing Republican claims of a “coup.” Instead, emphasizing the 14 million voters who supported Biden in the primaries, in essence, also backed Harris as his vice-presidential pick. 

“What’s known as an open convention could have led to a chaotic scenario with multiple unvetted candidates,” Kennedy explains. “The Harris nomination is the most straightforward and democratic choice.”

And Ingram points out, the Democratic Party appears united in its support for the Harris-Walz ticket. 

“Harris, with her extensive experience and strong support, is the best candidate to face the challenges ahead,” Ingram adds. 

“As the nation looks forward to the upcoming debates, the contrast between a policy-driven approach from Harris and the rhetoric from former President Donald Trump will shape the story surrounding the 2024 election,” Kennedy concludes.

And while Republicans continue to oppose the DNC’s decision, the stage is being set for both a hard-fought and historic campaign.

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