The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement sharply criticized the Democratic Party for its swift endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden's unexpected exit from the presidential race.

BLM officials are now demanding a virtual snap primary be held, arguing that bypassing voters would undermine the credibility of Harris' candidacy and the party's self-declared democratic values, as National Review reports.

Biden's Sudden Withdrawal Sparks Controversy

Biden announced on Sunday that he would no longer be running for re-election, a move that took many by surprise, given assertions to the contrary made by campaign staff earlier that same day. Shortly thereafter, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement for the Democratic presidential nomination.

This endorsement quickly translated into significant support for Harris. Within hours, she garnered over 260 endorsements from elected Democrats and received more than $100 million in fundraising. By Monday night, Harris had secured enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee, positioning her as the frontrunner heading into next month's convention.

BLM Calls for Democratic Voting Process

The rapid coalescence around Harris did not sit well with the BLM organization. On Tuesday, organization officials issued a statement criticizing the Democratic Party and calling for a virtual snap primary to be hosted by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) before the party's convention in August. “We do not live in a dictatorship. Delegates are not oligarchs,” the group stated emphatically.

They emphasized the importance of following a transparent nomination process to maintain the legitimacy of the eventual Democratic nominee.

Concerns Over Perceptions of Legitimacy

BLM expressed concerns that foreclosing a public voting process might render Harris's candidacy less legitimate. “Any attempt to evade or override the will of voters in our primary system -- no matter how historic the candidate -- must be condemned,” their statement read.

The organization stressed that adhering to democratic principles was crucial for the Democratic Party’s credibility on issues related to democracy itself. “Imagine our first Black woman president not having won some sort of public nomination process,” they argued.

Demands for a Fair Nomination Process

BLM further elaborated that should Harris be installed without a public nomination process, the foundations of her potential presidency would be shaky. They argued that any progress she made could be viewed through the lens of affirmative action rather than merit.

“If Kamala Harris is to be the nominee, it must be through a process that upholds democratic principles and public participation,” BLM insisted.

The group also noted the symbolic importance of maintaining a fair and transparent nomination process. “This is about the Democratic Party following a process that protects the legitimacy of any future Democratic president,” they said.

Republican Lawmakers' Reactions

Responses from Republican lawmakers also surfaced, adding a different dimension to the controversy. Rep. Tim Burchett labeled Harris a “DEI hire” in response to her bypassing the traditional nomination process.

House Speaker Mike Johnson focused his criticism on Harris' record rather than her race, emphasizing that the upcoming election should be about policy, not personalities. “This should not be about personalities. It should be about policy,” Johnson pointed out.

Calls for Policy Focus

Johnson argued that her race should not be a factor in the critique of Harris's qualifications. “This has nothing to do with race. It has to do with the competence of the person running for president,” he stated.

He claimed that Republicans would win in a landslide when voters compared the records and ideas of the two candidates.

As the Democratic Party moves towards its nominating convention in Chicago next month, the calls for a fair nomination process by both BLM and critics from across the aisle highlight the ongoing debate about democratic principles and the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Final Thoughts on the Controversy

The controversy following Biden's withdrawal and the immediate anointment of Harris signifies a significant moment for the Democratic Party, challenging its commitment to democratic processes. BLM’s demand for a virtual snap primary underscores the necessity of maintaining voter participation in the nomination of a candidate, especially at a time when the principles of democracy are under scrutiny.

With endorsements flooding in and substantial fundraising figures, Harris stands on the cusp of nomination. However, the legitimacy and future of her candidacy now hinge on the Democratic Party's response to calls for a transparent and inclusive process.

In summary, the story continues to unfold as stakeholders from various sides weigh in, highlighting the broader implications for democracy and representation in American politics.