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EarlG

(22,454 posts)
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 09:53 AM Jul 2024

Kamala Harris is now the presumptive Democratic nominee -- what this means for DU

This year, we did what we always do on Democratic Underground during a presidential election year. While the presidential nomination was still up for grabs, we were in Primary Season. Since Joe Biden had no serious opposition this year and essentially ran unopposed, we called an end to Primary Season on March 6, immediately after Super Tuesday. At that point, we switched to General Election Season.

The difference between the two seasons is subtle but significant. DU's "Don't bash Democratic public figures" rule states, in part, "Do not post anything that could be construed as bashing, trashing, undermining, or depressing turnout for any Democratic general election candidate."

When we are in Primary Season, Democratic candidates for office are not considered "general election candidates" -- they are still fighting to win that honor -- and so DU members have lots of leeway to advocate for their own candidates and criticize their opponents as part of the primary campaign. Once the primaries are over, the winners become "Democratic general election candidates" and as such, receive a lot more protection under the rules. They cannot be bashed, trashed, or undermined once Primary Season is over.

We've done things this way for 20 years on DU because allowing people to continue to oppose Democratic nominees once the primaries are over is counterproductive, provides an obvious entry point for trolls, and is contrary to DU's Core Principles ("...to elect more Democrats and fewer Republicans to all levels of American government" ).

I don't regret sticking to the policy this year. For as long as Joe Biden remained the Democratic nominee, it would not have been right to abandon the policy, and doing so would have set a confusing precedent. For as long as he was in the race, Biden was the Democratic nominee, and he deserved to be protected in the same way that previous nominees had been protected before him. I know some people disagreed with this decision, but I believe it was the right thing to do.

As soon as Joe Biden dropped out of the race, however, we were in unprecedented territory. The logical thing to do seemed to be to return to Primary Season, since the Democratic Party no longer had an official nominee, so that's what we did on Sunday.

48 hours later, Kamala Harris has already secured enough pledged delegates to become the presumptive nominee. Therefore I see no reason at this time to remain in Primary Season. The vast majority of the Party has lined up behind the Vice President, and with enough pledged delegates to secure the nomination, it is now highly unlikely that anyone but Kamala Harris will be declared the official Democratic nominee when all is said and done.

And so, we are now returning to General Election Season with Kamala Harris as our nominee and we're ready to move forward. Thank you all for your patience while we navigated these tricky waters. Hopefully we are now ready to unite and move on to the next goal which is the most important of all -- to defeat Donald Trump this November, take control of Congress, and put MAGA out of business for good.

Thank you for reading!

EarlG, on behalf of Elad -- The DU Administrators

104 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Kamala Harris is now the presumptive Democratic nominee -- what this means for DU (Original Post) EarlG Jul 2024 OP
Thanks. Nt spooky3 Jul 2024 #1
Thanks! GPV Jul 2024 #2
Quickest primary season ever. TwilightZone Jul 2024 #3
Bada bing. Bada boom. Let's go. All in. CincyDem Jul 2024 #4
Yessssssss! Chipper Chat Jul 2024 #5
K & R n/t malaise Jul 2024 #6
Thanks, EarlG! Rhiannon12866 Jul 2024 #7
Excellent. We all must get behind our candidate, Kamala Harris JohnSJ Jul 2024 #8
WOOT! ismnotwasm Jul 2024 #9
Thank you for everything you do at DU! relayerbob Jul 2024 #10
But Joe Manchin is going to become a Democrat again! Renew Deal Jul 2024 #11
No. No. No. he is waiting for Joe Lieberman to tell him what to do. madinmaryland Jul 2024 #35
Manchin will have to get a ouija board and hold a seance. sop Jul 2024 #63
Maybe George Santos will become a Democrat (again?) JustABozoOnThisBus Jul 2024 #86
please note: the eula states that we support all dems . go maddame prez and the first husband. AllaN01Bear Jul 2024 #12
Thank you. sheshe2 Jul 2024 #13
Perfect! honest.abe Jul 2024 #14
This is the Best Photo! Love this one, msfiddlestix Jul 2024 #48
Really looks like a Madam President! honest.abe Jul 2024 #52
What a beautiful picture! llmart Jul 2024 #53
Ditto!! Perfection! onetexan Jul 2024 #59
Okay Earl... sounds good to me!! InAbLuEsTaTe Jul 2024 #15
EarlG Upthevibe Jul 2024 #16
Yes, absolutely EarlG Jul 2024 #20
Thank you! Upthevibe Jul 2024 #65
And away we go!!! riversedge Jul 2024 #17
Agreed in toto and thank you. Nt PCIntern Jul 2024 #18
This also quells any wanna-be trolls. Thankyou. lindysalsagal Jul 2024 #19
I am already seeing posters called out for mildly criticizing prominent Dems for NOT ENDORSING our presumptive nominee. hlthe2b Jul 2024 #21
Agree claudette Jul 2024 #55
Thanks Earl Bettie Jul 2024 #22
You have great rules! Easterncedar Jul 2024 #23
Thank you, O Great Cat-herder! Maeve Jul 2024 #24
Agree, looking forward to tRump getting his ass kicked by Kamala Harris nt ImNotGod Jul 2024 #25
At 77 I am thrilled that I will get to vote for a woman for POTUS. I hope I live long enough the see her get elected.... usaf-vet Jul 2024 #26
Great - thanks. Let's win this thing! NewHendoLib Jul 2024 #27
Thank you for all you do MustLoveBeagles Jul 2024 #28
Full Speed Ahead! oasis Jul 2024 #29
Noted. FalloutShelter Jul 2024 #30
Thank you EarlG solara Jul 2024 #31
Makes sense. samsingh Jul 2024 #32
Your/DU's stance is reasonable, makes perfect sense duhneece Jul 2024 #33
Good decision. Martin68 Jul 2024 #34
Fastest primary ever Mountainguy Jul 2024 #36
Yippee!!!!!!!! Butterflylady Jul 2024 #37
Thank you! Ford_Prefect Jul 2024 #38
K & R SunSeeker Jul 2024 #39
Excellent ornotna Jul 2024 #40
Fired up and ready to go! sarchasm Jul 2024 #41
I just donated again... FailureToCommunicate Jul 2024 #42
Awesome! Now we can all fight over who the VP should / will / can be. FSogol Jul 2024 #43
Amazing times liberal N proud Jul 2024 #44
Perfect! Blue Dawn Jul 2024 #45
Thanks! Think. Again. Jul 2024 #46
Well Done! Much Appreciated! Fully Agree on Every Single Point, Thank You! msfiddlestix Jul 2024 #47
Thanks, EarlG! spicysista Jul 2024 #49
fun and clear read Tetrachloride Jul 2024 #50
Message auto-removed Name removed Jul 2024 #51
Does it mean claudette Jul 2024 #54
Thank you, EarlG gademocrat7 Jul 2024 #56
And boy, that was FAST!! AmBlue Jul 2024 #57
Winner winner chicken dinner! WheelWalker Jul 2024 #58
This time two weeks ago, I was totally dejected and wanted the election over. Initech Jul 2024 #60
Thank you yankee87 Jul 2024 #61
Thank you! Wild blueberry Jul 2024 #62
Many thanks, EarlG and Administrators. Paladin Jul 2024 #64
Friendly reminder most don't need it but her name is pronounced Eliot Rosewater Jul 2024 #66
I need a "I'm w/her" t-shirt! :) TBF Jul 2024 #67
KnR...nt MiHale Jul 2024 #68
Thank you, EarlG and Elad. Dem2theMax Jul 2024 #69
I've never said thank you to the administrators of this group Conjuay Jul 2024 #70
Thank You!! LuvJoesPartner Jul 2024 #71
YES! Peace lady Jul 2024 #72
Ty, EarlG. electric_blue68 Jul 2024 #73
Thank you for helping to save the country! redqueen Jul 2024 #74
Cool! bluewater Jul 2024 #75
Understood lpbk2713 Jul 2024 #76
You rock EarlG! hibbing Jul 2024 #77
Go brat DU AKwannabe Jul 2024 #78
Thank you, EarlG! Silver Gaia Jul 2024 #79
Thanks so much, EarlG. greatauntoftriplets Jul 2024 #80
And We're Good To Go With Lightening Speed! ! Mahalo, EarlG & Elad! Cha Jul 2024 #81
Yes. election season is on, barbtries Jul 2024 #82
Thank you, EarlG for guiding us through these weird, wild waters. calimary Jul 2024 #83
Very Glad to see this!!!!! Stinky The Clown Jul 2024 #84
Full support to Kamala and DU...This election is going to be historic, and will allow us to finally Escurumbele Jul 2024 #85
Excellent news! Iggo Jul 2024 #87
Yeah I agree ❤️Kamala you are🔥🔥🔥 I_UndergroundPanther Jul 2024 #88
thanks EarlG proud patriot Jul 2024 #89
Thank you, EarlG (and thank God for DU) B.See Jul 2024 #90
Well said - Thank you flying-skeleton Jul 2024 #91
Yes! General election season! maspaha Jul 2024 #92
Awesome! Let's unite and win! Dem4life1970 Jul 2024 #93
Joe rocks as President COL Mustard Jul 2024 #94
REC #450 ffr Jul 2024 #95
While I will support Harris as the nominee I am disappointed that her selection was done behind closed doors hard2figure Jul 2024 #96
I'm fairly new here but your policies seem well thought out. Refreshing! Especially after dealing with my HOA Ranting Randy Jul 2024 #97
Repugs in disarray! Aussie105 Jul 2024 #98
Is it still permitted, during General Election Season, for us to . . . AverageOldGuy Jul 2024 #99
You guys are da best Hekate Jul 2024 #100
100% behind her Shyguy24 Jul 2024 #101
Thank you EarlG. NT akbacchus_BC Jul 2024 #102
Went from worried sick on Sunday to AllyCat Jul 2024 #103
we need swag! Are any stores going to be open in DU? samnsara Jul 2024 #104

TwilightZone

(27,980 posts)
3. Quickest primary season ever.
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 09:56 AM
Jul 2024

I've always been in favor of shortening campaign season. While this situation is unique, of course, it's proof positive that shorter campaigns would be a very good thing. It's silly that House members, for example, have to start running their campaigns the day after the prior one ended.

AllaN01Bear

(22,878 posts)
12. please note: the eula states that we support all dems . go maddame prez and the first husband.
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 09:58 AM
Jul 2024

the prosocutor takes on the con. make it so. anyone to defeat the evIl trump.

llmart

(16,303 posts)
53. What a beautiful picture!
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 11:15 AM
Jul 2024

Can't wait to see it hanging in our White House and Capitol and on the covers of major publications.

Upthevibe

(9,000 posts)
16. EarlG
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 09:59 AM
Jul 2024

Thank you, EarlG.

Is it appropriate for us to discuss the pros and cons of her possible running mates (in a respectful manner)?

EarlG

(22,454 posts)
20. Yes, absolutely
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 10:05 AM
Jul 2024

I understand why you asked the question since this year has obviously been unprecedented when it comes to the selection of our nominee, but as far as I can recall, we have never had any problems on DU when it comes to discussion of a nominee's VP choice, so I don't think there's anything special I need to say about it this time around. Members are free to discuss the pros and cons of VP choices -- provided that they stay within normal DU rules of course.

hlthe2b

(105,873 posts)
21. I am already seeing posters called out for mildly criticizing prominent Dems for NOT ENDORSING our presumptive nominee.
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 10:06 AM
Jul 2024

(Not attacking the non-endorsers but merely questioning why they are not/have not). It would be helpful if you could touch on these more subtle adjacent issues. Thanks, EarlG

Maeve

(42,875 posts)
24. Thank you, O Great Cat-herder!
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 10:13 AM
Jul 2024

I know we drive you crazy sometimes (well, I know I do!) And we are lucky you put up with the madness.

usaf-vet

(6,786 posts)
26. At 77 I am thrilled that I will get to vote for a woman for POTUS. I hope I live long enough the see her get elected....
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 10:15 AM
Jul 2024

.... and sworn in for a second term in 2028.

solara

(3,865 posts)
31. Thank you EarlG
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 10:24 AM
Jul 2024

"Kamala Harris is now the presumptive Democratic nominee" !!

Thank you for staying on it.. and for doing everything you do.

duhneece

(4,226 posts)
33. Your/DU's stance is reasonable, makes perfect sense
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 10:32 AM
Jul 2024

Especially in these uncharted waters.
DU remains my touchstone, my sanity , my sanctuary, my family and my friends.
Thank you, EarlG and all of the DU family.

Think. Again.

(17,126 posts)
46. Thanks!
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 11:01 AM
Jul 2024

I'm looking forward to strong, positive posts in support of all our Democratic candidates, and strong, NEGATIVE posts against all the others.

Fighting FOR Kamala!

Fighting AGAINST trump!

ONWARD!

Response to EarlG (Original post)

Initech

(101,560 posts)
60. This time two weeks ago, I was totally dejected and wanted the election over.
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 11:37 AM
Jul 2024

I actually told a coworker of mine that I'd rather throw my TV out the window than watch 5 minutes of election coverage.

Now I'm back in and ready to help sink Trump and Project 2025 for good!

Paladin

(28,712 posts)
64. Many thanks, EarlG and Administrators.
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 11:44 AM
Jul 2024

In all my many years here, I've never been happier or prouder to be a DU participant.

TBF

(33,990 posts)
67. I need a "I'm w/her" t-shirt! :)
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 12:15 PM
Jul 2024

Absolutely ready to put in the work to get rid of MAGA! Now that I've seen Project 2025, it's not just Trump - it's all of them.

Conjuay

(2,019 posts)
70. I've never said thank you to the administrators of this group
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 12:30 PM
Jul 2024

This is the only thing that kept me sane since 2015. I salute your efforts, and , again say 'Thank You'.

redqueen

(115,164 posts)
74. Thank you for helping to save the country!
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 12:59 PM
Jul 2024

Seriously that is what is at stake this year so I'm glad to hear you didn't allow people to go ham on Biden and I'm BEYOND thrilled that Kamala has locked up the delegates already, so anyone who as a problem with it can be quiet about that and reflect on their priorities!

greatauntoftriplets

(176,699 posts)
80. Thanks so much, EarlG.
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 01:35 PM
Jul 2024

The last few days have been such a whirlwind. Thanks for providing the means to keep up with developments as they happen.

barbtries

(29,662 posts)
82. Yes. election season is on,
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 02:10 PM
Jul 2024

and I for one am very happy about it. She can win, she will win, there are more of us than there are of them, this is reason for hope.

Joe Biden's brilliance is greater than i ever gave him credit for, and I'm sorry about that.

calimary

(83,918 posts)
83. Thank you, EarlG for guiding us through these weird, wild waters.
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 02:29 PM
Jul 2024

I appreciate the thoughts in this announcement, especially THIS part:

"...and put MAGA out of business for good."

OKAY, TEAM, Game ON! Let's ROCK!!!!!

Escurumbele

(3,583 posts)
85. Full support to Kamala and DU...This election is going to be historic, and will allow us to finally
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 02:35 PM
Jul 2024

stop seeing trump in the news because, and I have no doubt, that once he loses, republicans who know he is bad for everyone will leave him behind, even the media will stop talking about him.

And I do believe that Kamala will be a great President, she is tough, brilliant, she will bring a different perspective to our government. The one thing we all need to do is make sure that both Congress and the Senate become a Democratic majority to allow bills that benefit the country, and the World, can be passed without republican obstruction.

Iggo

(48,196 posts)
87. Excellent news!
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 03:09 PM
Jul 2024

All day Sunday I was having waking nightmares of a contested nomination process. “Dems In Disarray!”

No one was happier than I was when I saw Monday that it united us instead of dividing us.

Again, excellent news!

maspaha

(371 posts)
92. Yes! General election season!
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 07:01 PM
Jul 2024

Time for falling in/out of love is over. Time to fall in line….

Or, if you prefer, just chop wood, carry water, no complaining, we have work to do….

Or, provide and follow your own favorite marching order….

COL Mustard

(6,806 posts)
94. Joe rocks as President
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 07:43 PM
Jul 2024

Kamala will rock as President. I am looking forward to her mopping the floor with TSF.

As I told someone yesterday, I would walk over broken glass or hot coals (or maybe both) to see Trump defeated. Let's git 'r done!

hard2figure

(5 posts)
96. While I will support Harris as the nominee I am disappointed that her selection was done behind closed doors
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 08:02 PM
Jul 2024

w/o ANY input from those of us who voted for President Biden.

Ranting Randy

(75 posts)
97. I'm fairly new here but your policies seem well thought out. Refreshing! Especially after dealing with my HOA
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 08:08 PM
Jul 2024

Aussie105

(6,167 posts)
98. Repugs in disarray!
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 10:16 PM
Jul 2024

Dead are their attack points like 'too old', 'his son is a criminal', etc.

But I'm sure their 'think tanks' are furiously digging to find the dirt on Kamala.

I'm going to ignore them all!

Meanwhile, Trump is still Trump - a lifelong acquired collection of nastiness and stupidity.

AverageOldGuy

(1,941 posts)
99. Is it still permitted, during General Election Season, for us to . . .
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 10:18 PM
Jul 2024

. . . beat the shit out of Trump, Vance, and MAGAts in general???

Shyguy24

(5 posts)
101. 100% behind her
Wed Jul 24, 2024, 02:18 AM
Jul 2024

I always felt Biden needed to pass the torch, this forum was always kind of against that idea, but I'm glad to see that now that it's happened there's so much energy behind it and online is exploding with support for Kamala. Thank you Joe Biden for doing the right thing.

AllyCat

(16,932 posts)
103. Went from worried sick on Sunday to
Wed Jul 24, 2024, 08:21 AM
Jul 2024

beaming with enthusiasm and energy two days later!

Love this!

samnsara

(18,241 posts)
104. we need swag! Are any stores going to be open in DU?
Wed Jul 24, 2024, 09:34 PM
Jul 2024

..may as well buy from fellow DUers who are creative and can do this stuff..

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