Major Foreign Media Recommend "Open Primaries to Defeat Trump"

As U.S. President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Democratic presidential race, major foreign media outlets advised that the Democratic Party should hold an open primary to select a new candidate in order to win the presidential election.

The American daily The Washington Post (WP) suggested in an editorial that "Vice President Kamala Harris may be the most likely alternative, but a competitive convention would be good for everyone."

WP stated, "Biden's decision has created an opportunity for a 'reset' in American politics through a competitive nomination process not only within his party but also among future national leaders," adding, "In 2008, Barack Obama was a stronger candidate and perhaps a better president because Hillary Clinton fiercely competed with him during the marathon primary season."

It continued, "While such a vetting process cannot be exactly replicated, the Democratic Party still has time to closely examine the contenders vying for the top spot on the ticket."

Other media also analyzed that depending on the Democratic Party's follow-up actions, it could strengthen the anti-Trump camp's unity and increase public support for the Democratic candidate. The New York Times (NYT), in an editorial, said that selecting Vice President Harris as the new candidate would be reasonable for the Democrats and that voters expected his candidacy, but advised that "party delegates should have a voice in this decision."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

NYT argued, "There are other qualified Democratic candidates who can face Trump and win," adding, "Although late, there is still time to publicly vet leading candidates and provide the necessary information for candidate selection and build public support before the party's nominating convention begins on the 19th of next month."

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also stated in an editorial that while it is uncertain what method the Democratic Party will adopt, there is an option of an open convention that could consider candidates other than Vice President Harris. WSJ said, "This implies short-term uncertainty, but it means the Democratic Party can find the strongest candidate to face Trump while simultaneously attracting media attention," adding, "Despite Harris's experience as vice president, she proved to be a poor candidate when she withdrew before the first primary in 2019."

Vice President Harris has been mentioned as a strong alternative candidate following rumors of President Biden's withdrawal. Biden publicly supported him upon his withdrawal, and former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also expressed their support, spreading the 'Harris momentum' within the party.

However, former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have not expressed their positions on Vice President Harris, leading to analysis that they hope for an open competition. It is reported that Speaker Pelosi recently told colleagues that "replacement candidates should be selected through a primary, not succession."