‘I get to be a part of history’: Missouri delegates will decide on Democratic nominee in weeks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A critical countdown is ticking to the Democratic National Convention.

In exactly four weeks, Missouri delegates will go to Chicago and vote for someone to put on the ticket now that Biden has bowed out of the race.

“We’re less than 24 hours away from one of the most historic announcements in American political history,” said Geoff Gerling, the Chairman for the 5th Congressional District for the Missouri Democratic Party.

Gerling along with nearly 4,000 Democratic delegates from across the country must now navigate a massive change by the time they meet on August 19th in Chicago.

“I get to be part of history and I take that very seriously.”

Gerling said there will be plenty of conversations between now and August to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible.

“These things happen and that’s why we have the process to, I don’t want to say correct, but to make sure there’s still a choice for the voters to have moving forward,” said Gerling, “I want to listen and I want to find out who our best candidate is going forward into November.”

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KCTV5 asked Gerling if he endorses Kamala Harris who has gotten support from President Biden, the Clintons, the Obamas, and much of the leadership from the congressional side, but said it’s too early to say where he stands.

“It’s only been a day, so I’m not willing to make any commitments yet on who I’m voting for now that I’m an unplugged delegate.”

Despite that sentiment, he did say if president Biden thinks Harris is ready to move into that role going forward, he’ll feel inclined to agree with them, but another candidate emerging, is not out of the question.

“We’re going to rally behind somebody just have to wait and see if someone else emerges, but I would expect Harris to be the nominee,” he said.

Gerling said he believes everyone should watch the convention, regardless of which side of the aisle you’re on - Republican, Democrat, independent -- he said this is a special time in American history.