Clyburn: DNC Should ‘Shut This Primary Down’ if Biden Sweeps Mini Super Tuesday

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) said in an interview the Democratic National Committee (DNC) should “shut this primary down” and “cancel the rest of these debates” if former Vice President Joe Biden sweeps the last three states on Mini Super Tuesday.

“I think when the night is over, Joe Biden will be the prohibitive favorite to win the Democratic nomination, and quite frankly, if the night ends the way it has begun, I think it is time for us to shut this primary down, it is time for us to cancel the rest of these debates — because you don’t do anything but get yourself in trouble if you continue in this contest when it’s obvious that the numbers will not shake out for you,” Clyburn said in an interview with NPR Tuesday night.

LISTEN: Democratic Rep. James Clyburn tells NPR the Democratic National Committee should cancel future debates and "shut this primary down" if Bernie Sanders doesn't win a state tonight. https://t.co/hnBflaQ94T pic.twitter.com/2PHHdzgV7g
— NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) March 11, 2020

He added that a clean sweep would make Biden the “prohibitive nominee,” and the DNC should “step in, make an assessment and determine whether they ought to have any more debates.”

The South Carolina Democrat warned that if the primary is prolonged against Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) would hurt Biden chances in the general election against President Trump.

“People will say things,” Clyburn warned, “that you cannot overcome.”

He also told NPR that he’s “pushing for an African American female” to be Biden’s vice presidential pick, naming several female politicians including Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams, Reps. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, Val Demings of Florida and Karen Bass of California as potential choices.

“I really believe that we’ve reached a point in this country where African American women need to be rewarded for the loyalty that they’ve given to this party,” Clyburn said. “So I would really be pushing for an African American female to go on the ticket.”

Clyburn, the No. 3 House Democrat is credited for resuscitating Biden’s campaign ahead of the South Carolina primary late last month. The kingmaker endorsement resulted in the former Vice President winning South Carolina, followed by an impressive 10 state win on Super Tuesday.