Democrats Prepare for Virtual Nomination of Kamala Harris

In a significant shift in the Democratic presidential race, delegates to the Democratic National Convention will begin online voting next week to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's candidate. This decision follows President Joe Biden's recent withdrawal from the reelection campaign, prompting the party to expedite the nomination process. The convention's rules committee approved the proposal, allowing delegates to vote on potential nominees starting August 1, just 18 days before the convention in Chicago. Harris is currently the only major Democrat to publicly announce her candidacy, making her nomination highly likely in a single round of virtual balloting. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison acknowledged the unprecedented nature of this transition, emphasizing the need for the party to rally around a new leader. The online voting process will also facilitate the selection of Harris's running mate, with a deadline for this decision set for August 7. As the party moves forward, early favorites for the vice presidential slot include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, among others. An Associated Press survey indicates that Harris has garnered substantial support from delegates, exceeding the 1,976 votes required for a first-ballot victory. However, the party is proceeding with the virtual voting to ensure timely compliance with Ohio ballot requirements, underscoring the urgency of the situation.