Newsom Jokes About Harris's Nomination Process

In a recent interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom made light of the process that led to Vice President Kamala Harris securing the Democratic presidential nomination. Following President Biden's announcement that he would not seek re-election, Harris quickly ascended to the top of the ticket, enjoying a boost in polling and fundraising despite not having received a vote. Newsom humorously remarked that he was “told to say” the nomination process was open and inclusive, a comment that has sparked controversy and criticism on social media. Critics, including journalist Glenn Greenwald, have pointed out the perceived lack of democratic integrity in the nomination process, suggesting that it was neither transparent nor representative of the party's base. Greenwald characterized the situation as a "sick joke" on Democratic supporters, questioning the party's commitment to democratic values. Similarly, Dumisani Washington, CEO of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel, criticized the party for allegedly using diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) rhetoric to mask its privilege while disregarding voter input. Biden's nomination had initially seemed secure, having faced minimal opposition in March. However, a poor debate performance in June prompted a shift in sentiment among media allies and fellow Democrats, leading to calls for him to withdraw from the race. Ultimately, Biden succumbed to this pressure, paving the way for Harris to take the lead in the upcoming election.