The conversation that dominates Democratic circles today is the need to hurry — to make up for lost time and get out there on the campaign trail — but there’s a counter argument to that: the old expression “Decide in haste, repent at leisure." The automatic anointment of Kamala Harris by party insiders has the look, smell, and indeed the reality, of an undemocratic process.

While some would say it’s “party rules” to handle the situation the way it’s unfolding — the party is so far refusing to send the list of delegates necessary to make our case for an open convention — democracy has its own inherent rule: that power lies with the people. Forgoing a blitz primary, indeed holding tightly to control within a circle of Democratic insiders, provides Kamala Harris with an exciting, adrenaline filled launch of her campaign. That is true. But this isn’t time to allow the excitement of a moment to override our deepest thinking. That adrenaline may or may not last.

The most important thing we need to ask ourselves is not only who, but also what: what will it take to override the attraction of Donald Trump? For a year and a half I have argued that it’s going to take something fundamentally new to override his popularity.

I have seen the river of despair that lies just outside the neighborhoods of America’s most powerful decision makers. Our power to win lies in doing the right thing: providing genuine hope among people that their lives could be better. I have a career of over four decades being up close and personal with people’s yearning for more opportunity, economically and in other ways as well. I’ve seen over the last twenty years how shackled people feel by lost hope that things could be better. Regardless who the candidate is, a greater response to the suffering of millions of people dealing with hunger, homelessness and hopelessness should be at the core of any Democratic agenda.

My latest interview with ABC news gave me the chance to explain my views a bit more fully. More and more people are sounding the alarm that a coronation, whether of Kamala Harris or anyone else, should not be the way of the Democratic Party.

Moreover, it would be a big mistake.

Thank you for supporting the new beginning that Americans so long for.