NH secretary of state criticizes Biden for ‘ignoring’ voters.
New Hampshire Secretary of State Slams Biden’s Decision to Skip State’s Democratic Primary
New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan expressed his disappointment with President Joe Biden’s choice to not file for the state’s Democratic presidential primary in 2024. While Biden’s campaign plans to run in the general election in the Granite State, Scanlan criticized the decision, calling it “not unexpected but still disappointing.”
“The decision for President Biden to shun voters of the New Hampshire ‘First-in-the-Nation’ Presidential Primary is not unexpected but still disappointing,” Scanlan said in a statement. “Despite all the rhetoric about diversity in the presidential nominating process, this issue is really about who determines the eventual nominee — the national political party or the voters.”
Scanlan, a Republican, passionately defended New Hampshire as the epitome of democracy in the presidential nominating process, especially after the Democratic National Committee altered the state’s first-in-the-nation status. He emphasized that New Hampshire remains the only place where any qualified US citizen can run for president, with easy ballot access and no requirement for high name recognition or wealth.
“New Hampshire remains the only place where ANY United States citizen who is qualified to run for president can attempt to make it happen. Ballot access is extremely easy, and a candidate does not need high name recognition or wealth to run a campaign here. For over 100 years, New Hampshire has represented the purest form of democracy in the presidential nominating process, and we will fight to protect it,” Scanlan said.
Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, explained in a letter to the chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party that the president would not file for the primary due to guidance from the DNC. The Democratic National Committee’s Rules & Bylaws Committee had advised campaigns to refrain from placing candidates’ names on the ballot.
“While the president wishes to participate in the Primary, he is obligated as a Democratic candidate for President to comply with the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2024 Democratic National Convention promulgated by the Democratic National Committee,” she wrote. “On October 24, 2023, the Democratic National Committee’s Rules & Bylaws Committee issued guidance urging Democratic campaigns to refrain from placing candidates’ names on the ballot.”
“Biden for President will refrain from submitting a Declaration of Candidacy for the Primary ahead of Friday’s candidate filing deadline for the Primary,” she added.
Biden’s decision not to appear on the New Hampshire ballot coincides with reports suggesting that Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) will announce a challenge to Biden from the Granite State. Phillips is expected to file for the New Hampshire primary at the upcoming announcement.
How does President Biden’s decision to skip the New Hampshire primary in 2020 undermine the significance of the state’s ”First-in-the-Nation” status?
Rst-in-the-nation status in 2020. New Hampshire has held the distinction of being the first state to hold a primary election since 1920, and its residents take immense pride in the role they play in the presidential nominating process.
The Secretary of State highlighted the significance of the New Hampshire primary in determining the eventual nominee. He argued that by skipping the state’s primary, President Biden undermines the importance of the voters and gives more power to the national political party. According to Scanlan, this decision raises questions about the true role of the voters in the nominating process and erodes the democratic principles that the United States holds dear.
Scanlan’s criticism goes beyond disappointment; it is rooted in a concern for the democratic process. The Secretary of State believes that the New Hampshire primary serves as a platform for candidates to engage with voters directly, discuss their policies, and address the concerns of the residents. By not participating in the primary, President Biden is missing a crucial opportunity to connect with New Hampshire voters and understand their needs and priorities.
Furthermore, Scanlan’s remarks touch upon the issue of diversity in the presidential nominating process. He questions the sincerity of the rhetoric surrounding diversity when the decision to skip New Hampshire’s primary essentially marginalizes the voices and choices of the state’s diverse constituency. The Secretary of State emphasizes that diversity should not only be celebrated at the level of candidates’ backgrounds but also in terms of the states and communities that participate in the nominating process.
While President Biden’s decision may be tactically motivated, as he is the incumbent and does not face significant primary challengers, Scanlan asserts that the principles of democracy should not be compromised for political expediency. The significance of the New Hampshire primary goes beyond mere political calculations; it is a demonstration of the power of the voters and their ability to shape the course of the presidential race.
Scanlan’s criticism reflects the sentiments of many New Hampshire residents who value their unique role in the democratic process. The state’s residents cherish the opportunity to directly engage with candidates and take pride in their ability to influence the outcomes of the presidential primary. For them, the President’s decision to skip the primary feels like a missed opportunity for the people’s voice to be heard.
In conclusion, Secretary of State David Scanlan’s criticism of President Biden’s decision to not participate in the New Hampshire Democratic primary is a passionate defense of the state’s democratic traditions and the importance of voter engagement. Scanlan’s disappointment extends beyond a mere political disagreement; it stems from a concern for the integrity of the nominating process and the role of voters in shaping the future of the nation. By skipping the primary, President Biden undermines the significance of New Hampshire’s ”First-in-the-Nation” status and raises questions about the true power of the voters in the democratic process.
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