The Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced Wednesday it plans to hold a virtual vote to nominate Pres. Joe Biden to the party's 2024 ticket, but not until at least Aug. 1. The party's official nominating convention is scheduled for Aug. 19.

The Hill

The DNC reportedly considered holding the virtual vote July 21, prompting a group of Democrats to write a letter requesting the party delay that decision. The letter, written by Rep. Jared Huffman(D-Calif.), called it "a power play of the highest order."

FOX News

The letter was endorsed by several Democrats, including some who have called for Biden to step out of the presidential race following his June 27 debate performance. At least 20 Democratic congressmen have so far called for him to step down.

The New York Times

The latest to call for Biden to step aside is Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) — who is currently running for, and expected to win, a US Senate seat — who said he believes it's time for Biden "to pass the torch" because another Trump presidency will "undermine the very foundation of our democracy."

Wall Street Journal

Biden has already earned the overwhelming majority of party delegates, meaning there's no way to oust him from the race unless he  voluntarily steps down. If the virtual nomination takes place, Democrats can reportedly select a different candidate if Biden decides to withdraw.

Should Biden step down, the DNC would hold an open convention where new candidates would be proposed, and delegates would cast votes until one is selected.

Democrats initially planned the early virtual nomination to get around an Ohio deadline to earn a spot on the ballot. Legislation passed in that state negated that deadline, but Quentin Fulks, the Biden-Harris deputy campaign manager, said an early virtual roll call is the best way to avoid another attempt by Ohio Republicans to keep Biden off the ballot.

Democrats Condemn Party's Plan to Virtually Nominate Biden Before Convention

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Democrats Condemn Party's Plan to Virtually Nominate Biden Before Convention

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