Virtual Roll Call On Biden Nomination To Take Place In August-CBS

CBS News is reportingthat according to a letter sent by the Democratic National Committee to the heads of the convention rules committee a virtual roll call to formally nominate President Joe Biden as the Democratic party's presidential nominee will take place in August. There remain significant divisions within the party about the prospective date for a virtual roll call, and indeed whether one should even take place.

• There had been speculation that the roll call could begin as soon as 29 July, concluding on 5 August. As we note in our US Daily Brief, "If the DNC timeline goes to plan, Biden would only need to hold the simmering Democrat rebellion against his candidacy at bay for around two more weeks."
• Some Democratic lawmakers in response circulated their own letter calling for the virtual roll call ro be cancelled entirely, arguing it would be “Stifling debate and prematurely shutting down any possible change in the Democratic ticket through an unnecessary and unprecedented ‘virtual roll call’ in the days ahead is a terrible idea,”
• The virtual roll call came about due to Ohio's early ballot deadline. This has been pushed back to September 7, meaning that a traditional roll call at the Democratic convention (19-22 Aug) would fit within the time limits.
• The very public disagreements between those in favour of a virtual roll call and those opposed, and indeed between those calling for Biden not to run and those backing him, continues to use up significant political oxygen.