In response to calls for President Joe Biden to quit the race after a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump, Democrats are moving ahead with plans to hold a virtual vote in the first week of August to officially nominate Biden as their party's nominee. The Democratic National Convention's rules committee is set to meet on Friday to discuss and finalize the details, according to a letter obtained by The Associated Press.

Co-chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz stated in the letter that while the virtual vote won't take place before August 1, the party is committed to holding the vote before August 7, which had been Ohio's filing deadline. They emphasized that the process will not be rushed and that careful consideration will be given to how a virtual voting process would work.

The decision to hold an early roll call was initially made in May to ensure Biden's qualification for the Ohio ballot, but since then, the state has changed its rules. The Biden campaign stresses the importance of operating under Ohio's initial rules to prevent any potential legal challenges from Republican lawmakers aimed at keeping the president off the ballot.

However, even if Democrats conduct a virtual roll call ahead of the convention scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago, it does not guarantee Biden's official nomination. Elaine Kamarck, an expert on the Democratic Party's nominating process and a longtime member of the DNC rules committee, explains that the committee could still vote to hold an in-person roll call in Chicago. Nevertheless, concerns remain about Biden appearing on Ohio's ballot, as the state's law doesn't go into effect until September 1.

Recent polling data from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that nearly two-thirds of Democrats believe Biden should withdraw from the presidential race and allow the party to nominate a different candidate. This sentiment contradicts Biden's claim that "average Democrats" are still supporting him despite criticism from some "big names." The poll also shows that only around 30% of Democrats have extreme or high confidence in Biden's mental capability to serve effectively as president, down from 40% in a previous poll conducted in February.

These concerns have been further amplified by a letter, not yet sent but circulating among a group of House Democrats, expressing "serious concerns" about the plans for a virtual roll call. The letter highlights the potential negative impact of stifling debate about the party's nominee through an early vote and warns that it could undermine the unity and morale of Democrats.

As the virtual vote looms closer, Democrats are hoping to ensure Biden's nomination while addressing growing unease within the party. The convention, recognized as the highest authority in the nominating process, will play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the presidential race.