How Democrats Lost The Power to Remove Biden
4Digest
This episode delves into the history of the Democratic Party's nomination process, tracing its transformation from a system dominated by party elites to the current system of primaries. The episode begins by addressing the common misconception that the Democratic Party has a "back room" where leaders can choose their nominee, explaining that this power was dismantled in the 1970s. The episode then explores the origins of the primary system, highlighting its unintended consequences and the potential downsides it presents. The episode features interviews with political scientists and commentators, including Daniel Schlazman, who provides insights into the historical context of the nomination process, and Keith Boykin, who argues that the current system, despite its flaws, should be respected. The episode concludes by examining the potential scenarios for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, considering the possibility of a contested convention or a scenario where Joe Biden steps aside and Kamala Harris becomes the nominee. The episode raises questions about the democratic nature of the current primary system and the potential risks associated with altering it mid-process.
Outlines
The Question of Joe Biden's Nomination
This Chapter begins with the hosts discussing the common question surrounding Joe Biden's campaign and why the Democrats might choose another nominee. They address the misconception of a "back room" where party leaders make decisions, emphasizing that such a system no longer exists.
The Old System: Party Elites and the National Convention
This Chapter delves into the historical context of the nomination process, explaining how party nominees were selected before the 1970s. The hosts discuss the role of national conventions, state delegates, and the two-thirds majority requirement for the Democratic nominee. They also highlight the indirect nature of delegate selection and the limited popular participation in the process.
The 1968 Democratic National Convention: A Turning Point
This Chapter focuses on the 1968 Democratic National Convention, a pivotal moment that marked a shift in the nomination process. The hosts discuss the protests and riots that occurred, highlighting the dissatisfaction with the party's choice of Hubert Humphrey as the nominee over George McGovern, who was more popular with Democratic voters. They explore the feeling of disenfranchisement among Democratic voters and the desire for greater representation.
The Rise of Primaries: Unintended Consequences and the McGovern Fraser Commission
This Chapter examines the transition from the old system to the current primary system. The hosts discuss the McGovern Fraser Commission, which was established in response to the 1968 convention and aimed to increase popular participation in the selection of delegates. They explain how the commission's reforms inadvertently led to the widespread adoption of primaries, which were initially viewed as a necessary evil.
The Pros and Cons of the Primary System
This Chapter explores the advantages and disadvantages of the primary system. The hosts discuss how primaries have empowered minority groups, LGBTQ communities, and historically excluded communities, giving them a voice in the political process. They also acknowledge the potential for increased factionalism and the fact that primary voters are not always representative of the general electorate.
Keywords
Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention is a quadrennial event where the Democratic Party formally nominates its candidates for president and vice president. It is a major event in the American political calendar, attracting significant media attention and public interest. The convention typically involves speeches, debates, and the formal selection of the party's nominees.
McGovern Fraser Commission
The McGovern Fraser Commission was a reform commission established by the Democratic Party in 1968 in response to the tumultuous events at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The commission's goal was to increase popular participation in the selection of delegates to the national convention. Its recommendations led to the widespread adoption of primary elections, which significantly changed the way party nominees are chosen.
Primaries
Primaries are elections held by political parties to select their candidates for office. In the United States, presidential primaries are held in each state to determine the party's nominee for president. Primaries are a key part of the American electoral process, allowing voters to have a direct say in choosing their party's candidates.
Jim Crow
Jim Crow refers to a system of racial segregation and disenfranchisement that existed in the Southern United States from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. Jim Crow laws enforced racial separation in public facilities, transportation, education, and other aspects of life. The system was designed to maintain white supremacy and deny African Americans their civil rights.
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a major armed conflict that took place in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1954 to 1975. The war involved the United States and its allies on one side and North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, on the other. The war was highly controversial in the United States, leading to widespread protests and a growing anti-war movement.
Tea Party
The Tea Party was a conservative political movement that emerged in the United States in 2009. The movement's name is a reference to the Boston Tea Party, a protest against British taxation in 1773. The Tea Party movement advocated for limited government, lower taxes, and reduced spending. It gained significant influence within the Republican Party, contributing to the rise of Donald Trump.
Brexit
Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. The decision to leave the EU was made in a referendum held in 2016, where a majority of voters voted to leave. Brexit has been a highly divisive issue in the UK, with significant political and economic consequences.
Superdelegates
Superdelegates are unpledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention. They are typically party leaders, elected officials, and other prominent figures within the party. Superdelegates have the ability to vote for any candidate they choose, regardless of the results of the primaries. The use of superdelegates has been controversial, with some arguing that they undermine the democratic process.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is an American businessman, media personality, and politician who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Trump is a controversial figure, known for his outspoken rhetoric, business dealings, and political policies. He is a member of the Republican Party and has announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election.
Joe Biden
Joe Biden is an American politician who served as the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2023. Biden is a member of the Democratic Party and has a long history of public service, having served as a U.S. senator from Delaware for 36 years and as vice president under Barack Obama. He is the oldest person to assume the presidency of the United States.
Q&A
What is the common misconception about the Democratic Party's nomination process?
The common misconception is that the Democratic Party has a "back room" where party leaders can choose their nominee. This is not true, as the party's power to select nominees was dismantled in the 1970s.
How were party nominees selected before the 1970s?
Before the 1970s, party nominees were selected at national conventions, where delegates from each state and territory voted until a nominee received a majority. Delegates were chosen by state party organizations, not by the public, and the process involved very little direct popular participation.
What was the significance of the 1968 Democratic National Convention?
The 1968 Democratic National Convention was a turning point in the nomination process. The protests and riots that occurred highlighted the dissatisfaction with the party's choice of Hubert Humphrey as the nominee over George McGovern, who was more popular with Democratic voters. This event led to the establishment of the McGovern Fraser Commission, which aimed to increase popular participation in the selection of delegates.
What are the pros and cons of the primary system?
The primary system has empowered minority groups, LGBTQ communities, and historically excluded communities, giving them a voice in the political process. However, it has also led to increased factionalism and the potential for candidates who are not representative of the general electorate to win nominations.
What are the potential scenarios for the 2024 Democratic National Convention?
The potential scenarios include a contested convention, where delegates are released and candidates compete for their support, or a scenario where Joe Biden steps aside and Kamala Harris becomes the nominee. The episode raises questions about the democratic nature of the current primary system and the potential risks associated with altering it mid-process.
What is the argument against altering the nomination process mid-process?
The argument against altering the nomination process mid-process is that it would undermine the democratic process. Supporters of this view argue that Joe Biden won the 2024 Democratic primaries and that changing the nominee would disrespect the votes of millions of people.
What is the argument in favor of altering the nomination process mid-process?
The argument in favor of altering the nomination process mid-process is that the current system is flawed and that it is necessary to ensure that the Democratic Party nominates a candidate who can win the general election. Supporters of this view argue that Joe Biden is too old and too unpopular to be a viable candidate.
What are the potential consequences of the Democratic Party's nomination process?
The potential consequences of the Democratic Party's nomination process include a contested convention, a change in the nominee, and a loss in the general election. The episode highlights the importance of considering the potential risks and benefits of the current system and the need for the Democratic Party to make a decision that is in the best interests of the country.
Show Notes
Why isn’t there a way for party leaders to get together—in a back room, ideally somewhere dark and smokey—and just give Biden the boot? As it turns out, that’s the way things used to get done. Max and Tre’vell explain how back room dealings originated, and why they fell out of favor. Why did the Vietnam War force Democrats to change the process? Did the switch make political parties more extreme? Were there benefits to having a cabal? Listen to this week’s How We Got Here to find out.
Table of contents
United States
