Harris is the democratic choice

I disagree with Kyle Melinn’s assertion (July 24) that Democrats are “rolling over democracy” by uniting behind Vice President Kamala Harris as their presidential candidate. The party-driven primary process has always been an instance of representative, rather than direct, democracy. Primary ballots are cast for delegates to the convention, who then represent the will of the voters should unforeseen circumstances arise. Candidates are mortal, and time comes for us all. The Biden-Harris campaign won an overwhelming majority of delegates over Marianne Williamson, Dean Phillips, and “uncommitted.”

This meant that delegates had a choice on the Sunday when Biden chose to withdraw. Prospective candidates (Melinn mentions Newsom, Buttigieg and Whitmer) had a choice as well: to enter the race and make their case, or to endorse Harris.

Harris rapidly secured the support of a majority of first-round delegates and became the presumptive nominee. In the next month, the delegates will cast their votes.

How could this have been more democratic, without depriving candidates or delegates of their freedom to choose? You can’t have a competition without competitors. It is not productive for delegates to pretend they have not decided when they have. Vice President Kamala Harris is the party’s nominee. The true test for a democracy whose foundations were shaken on January 6, 2021, is coming on Nov. 5.

Matt Penniman
East Lansing