James Clyburn proposes 'mini-primary' to replace Joe Biden, Internet calls it 'undemocratic'

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep James Clyburn floated the idea of a "mini-primary" for the Democratic Party to replace Joe Biden if the president decides to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, letting another candidate take his spot as the party nominee.

In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, July 3, the Democratic kingmaker noted the "mini-primary" would consist of multiple candidates aiming to amass the rest of the 700 uncommitted delegates, according to Newsweek. The 81-year-old incumbent secured 3894 pledged delegates after sweeping the state primaries.

James Clyburn says he would support 'mini-primary' to replace Biden

"You can actually fashion the process that's already in place to make it a mini-primary, and I would support that. Absolutely," the South Carolina lawmaker said. "This would give us a good opportunity, not just to measure up who would be good to be at the top of the ticket, but also who would be best in second place."

Clyburn, who played a crucial role in helping Biden win the 2020 election by boosting Black voter support, is among the Democrats who raised concerns about the incumbent's re-election bid after the lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27.

However, the congressman stated he did not notice any signs of mental decline in the president in recent months during their "one-on-one meetings" but added the debate show was "concerning."

"I saw what I saw Thursday night. And as I said, I saw that as being concerning. And that's why I wanted to see these town hall type meetings, to see his interaction with the public, with the media looking and we having the benefit of the—those media admittance," the Democrat said. "If we can have the benefit of that, I think that it will satisfy a lot of the people."

Furthermore, Clyburn revealed that he had not spoken with Biden, a "close friend," directly after the debate but was in contact with his team.

The South Carolina Democrat earlier said he would back Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democrat nominee if Biden decided to suspend the race.

Internet disagrees with James Clyburn's 'mini-primary' suggestion to replace Biden

Netizens criticized the idea of a "mini-primary" to find a new presidential candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August.

"As bad as the situation is with Biden, any plan to replace him that doesn't involve Democratic voters having a say is ... dare I say ... undemocratic. Democrats have really painted themselves into a corner," a user commented below Newsweek's article.

"Weren't the primaries held so the voters could choose? What were the primaries for a chance to spend $$$. and now some political hacks get to choose the candidate? this reeks of a political trick on the voters," another remarked.

"'Mini-primary'? I love how the party of Democracy is about to overturn the democracy of their primary to replace Biden," added a third user.

"Lol that's a direct threat to democracy. The voters have already spoken and they overwhelming voted for Biden. He's your candidate," someone else wrote on X.

"Lol it's amazing how quickly the Democrats have turned against their own. No sense of loyalty to their own, or to the people of the United States," another chimed in.

"The party that wants to supposedly make sure everyone has a voice is about to install someone who nobody voted for," read one response.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.