Staff Reports
A rift appears to be growing within the Democratic Party as not everyone seems eager to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris. Fresh news of President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race sent shockwaves throughout the Democratic elite, leading some prominent figures like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Elizabeth Warren to show their support for Harris. However, a conspicuous absence of backing from big-name Democrats such as Barack Obama suggests a potential power struggle looming in the shadows, begging the question: will Democrats embrace a contested convention, or just treat Harris like a royal heir?
Enter Joe Manchin, the West Virginia senator currently juggling his political identity like a pro. After being the first sitting senator to call for Biden’s exit, Manchin may decide to throw his name into the ring by re-registering as a Democrat for a shot at the nomination on the convention floor in Chicago. This wouldn’t just be a casual stroll to the podium; this could create an intriguing, albeit chaotic, showdown for the nomination. Manchin seems to think that the selection of a new leader should be akin to a reality talent show, complete with a transparent, “open” process. The irony of that statement isn’t lost on any conservative observers who remember how their counterparts are treated in Democratic primaries.
Sources close to Sen Joe Manchin, independent of WV, say he's considering re-registering as a Democrat and throwing his hat into the ring
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) July 21, 2024
While praising his fellow Democrats, Manchin highlighted the importance of bipartisan governance, arguing that governors do not have the luxury to be purely partisan given their responsibilities to their constituents. He painted a picture of unity by pointing out two Democratic governors, Andy Beshear in Kentucky and Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania, who manage to maintain popularity despite navigating through politically hostile environments. While they may be commendable, it’s important to note that their duality in appealing to a diverse voter base is a sad reflection of the Democrats’ disarray—they’re fighting against their own party duping them into vanilla policies.
In a typical political circus, these conventions are likely to attract the most dedicated enthusiasts from both sides, where the far-left elements of the party are likely to clash with Manchin’s moderate stances. As it stands, Manchin may be more of a thorn in the side for the Democrats than a real contender for the throne. If he runs, it might compel the party to confront its own alleged disregard for voters—specifically, those who previously supported a struggling Biden. The irony here is palpable: this is the party that prides itself on inclusivity but may issue Harris a golden ticket instead of opening the floor for a real contest.
While the Democratic drama unfolds, President Trump was quick to seize the opportunity, delivering a scorched-earth critique of the party’s handling of Biden’s alleged health issues. His rhetoric about what he terms a “heist” of the nomination process should not go unnoticed. Accusing the Democrats of ignoring the will of their voters, he certainly knows how to play the media game. Trump assured that if the Democrats believe they can smooth over this internal conflict by simply anointing Harris at the convention, they are ignoring the wrath of disenchanted voters and playing into the hands of the man they fear the most.
As the Democrats scramble to project a facade of unity, questions abound about how a party divided can effectively launch a new campaign. With Manchin willing to jot his name down on the ballot, it could lead to a dazzling spectacle at the convention that may just end up being a feast for conservative eyes. The lack of real primaries and open debates only fuels the suspicion that the Democrats are more interested in checkmating each other than in offering voters a legitimate choice. As the political stage gets set, the Democratic Party’s true tensions are ready to emerge, showcasing that not even a vice president is guaranteed a smooth path to her throne.
