In a move that has sparked controversy within the Democratic Party, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is moving forward with its plan to virtually nominate President Joe Biden ahead of the Democratic convention in Chicago next month. Despite growing calls from some elected officials to ditch this strategy, the DNC is doubling down on its virtual nomination plan.

According to an email obtained by CNN, the DNC will hold a previously scheduled meeting on Friday to discuss and initiate the steps and timeline for virtually nominating Biden. Notably, the email states that "no virtual voting will begin before August 1," in an effort to address the concerns raised by some party members about fast-tracking the virtual roll call.

The DNC's decision to proceed with the virtual nomination plan sets a key deadline for Democrats to resolve questions surrounding Biden's candidacy. While the party could revisit the results of the vote at the convention, the DNC has made it clear that they are committed to locking in their nominee before August 7. This date is crucial to ensure ballot access in a state like Ohio.

The letter from the co-chairs of the rules committee, which outlined the plan, stated that the discussion on Friday will include the implementation of a virtual voting element that will be completed before the in-person convention. The letter also emphasized the importance of a virtual vote, citing its benefits in securing ballot access in key states and avoiding potential risks associated with delays.

However, a growing faction of House Democrats believes that Biden is too politically damaged to defeat President Donald Trump in November. These lawmakers have called on the DNC to abandon the virtual nomination plans. A draft letter is currently circulating among Democratic lawmakers, urging the party to slow down the process.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a co-chair of the DNC's rules committee, rejected suggestions that the DNC is attempting to fast-track Biden's nomination. He emphasized that the upcoming meeting is meant to set the rules and that there is nothing unusual happening on Friday. Walz also referred to the initial rationale for the virtual roll call, which aimed to address an issue in Ohio that could have jeopardized Biden's appearance on the state's ballot.

In response to concerns raised by Ohio Republicans about potential legal challenges, the letter from the co-chairs of the rules committee defended the virtual vote, citing the need to ensure that the Democratic ticket appears on the ballot in must-win states. They mentioned other state deadlines falling during the in-person convention as additional reasons for the virtual vote.

While some House Democrats, such as Representative Lloyd Doggett, continue to urge Biden to step aside, others are expressing their concerns about the virtual roll call. Representative Jared Huffman, a progressive Democrat from California, referred to it as a "terrible idea" and a "dumb thing," emphasizing the need for action to address Biden's declining poll numbers.

Despite earlier plans to send a formal letter calling for a delay in Biden's nomination, Huffman's spokesperson confirmed that this letter will not be sent following the DNC's decision to hold a virtual roll call in August. Huffman is pleased to see the pressure put on the DNC to postpone the virtual roll call by the end of July has been successful.

As the DNC stands firm on its virtual nomination plan, the discussion surrounding Biden's candidacy continues to intensify within the Democratic Party. The outcome of the virtual roll call, scheduled to take place in August, will likely shape the path ahead for the Democratic Party and its efforts to unseat President Donald Trump in November.