Shortly after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and the media and party rallied around Harris as their preferred candidate, BLM criticized the Democratic Party for depriving voters of their constitutional right to elect a candidate of their choice. In its statement, BLM excoriated the party for refusing to host debates, arguing that such debates "would have likely allowed Americans to witness the decline of Joe Biden in 2023." The group also denounced the DNC for changing the primary schedule and creating rules that "made it almost impossible for non-Biden candidates to appear on the ballot, effectively clearing the field of any challengers." BLM stressed that installing Harris as the nominee "without any public voting process would render the modern Democratic Party a party of hypocrites" and "undermine their credibility on issues related to democracy." “Now, Democratic Party elites and billionaire donors are attempting to manipulate black voters by anointing Kamala Harris” without a single primary vote by the public, the group said. “This blatant disregard for democratic principles is unacceptable. While the potential outcome of a Harris presidency may be historic, the process to achieve it must align with true democratic values.” Since accepting the top spot as the party’s presidential nominee, Harris has faced significant criticism over her appointment without a primary vote, her limited media appearances, and her reluctance to outline her proposed agenda should she win in November. As of Aug. 27, her official website still does not list any policy positions. A key part of BLM’s vision is the abolition of systems that disenfranchise black people, including police and prisons. This stance puts the group at odds with Harris, who has touted her record as a prosecutor as a reason for her presidential candidacy. Chivona Newsome, co-founder of BLM of Greater New York, said during a recent interview that black voters rallying behind Harris should not be seen as axiomatic. “I don’t feel comfortable voting for Harris or Trump,” she said. “We know that nothing happens for marginalized people unless there is legislation at hand, and right now out of the DNC, there is no legislation coming.” She added, “Harris is not getting our votes just because she’s Black.”Black Lives Matter (BLM) has refused to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, issuing a blistering statement condemning the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for "anointing" her as the party's standard bearer in this year's election without a primary vote.
