By: Andrew Logan Lawrence
I’ll admit, as someone who doesn’t belong to the Democratic Party, I still find myself deeply concerned by the recent trend of party elites seemingly choosing their nominee and bypassing the will of its voters. It’s a practice that has become more apparent over the last few election cycles, and it raises serious concerns about the party’s democratic process.
In 2016, Bernie Sanders captivated millions of young, energized Democratic voters with his progressive vision and grassroots campaign. However, leaked emails later revealed that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) favored Hillary Clinton, leading many to believe that the nomination process was rigged against Sanders from the start. This revelation not only disenfranchised Sanders supporters but also sowed a long-lasting distrust within the party.
Fast forward to 2020, and we witnessed a similar situation. Despite a diverse field of candidates with substantial support and viable platforms, the party establishment coalesced around Joe Biden. While Biden eventually won the nomination and the presidency, the process once again left many feeling that the choice was made by elites rather than the electorate.
As we approach November, history seems to be repeating itself. Despite securing more than the necessary 1,968 delegates and amassing a staggering war chest, Joe Biden has decided to drop out. Even though Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, it’s uncertain if she will be at the top of the ticket. This opens the door for party elites to handpick the nominee—an unprecedented move that not only undermines the voters’ choice but could also set a dangerous precedent for future elections.
Is it fair for leaders of our national parties to change candidates this far into the race, against the will of the voters? It’s a question that strikes at the heart of our democratic values. The very essence of democracy is the belief that power rests with the people. When party elites override the will of the voters, it erodes trust and weakens the foundation of the political system.
Some might argue that the Democratic Party is now more undemocratic than ever. This perception is damaging not only to the party but to the broader democratic process. The Democratic Party owes it to its voters to uphold transparency, fairness, and respect for their voices.
The Democratic Party should consider the long-term implications of sidelining voter preferences. An apology, or at the very least, a thorough explanation, is owed to the millions who have invested their time, energy, and hopes into the party. Otherwise, voters will continue to lose faith in the process.
The integrity of our entire political system is being called into question.
Andrew L. Lawrence is a graduate of the University of Georgia and George Washington University. He resides in Savannah, Georgia.