Biden VP news megathread (pg 286 - been selected, announcement could be today)

[Lechasseur]

I think signs are pointing to a close pick between Harris and Whitmer, with Cortez Masto as a dark horse 3rd place.

As for which of them, your guess is as good as mine.

That's what I think as well

[Lechasseur]

Why do so many people think that Duckworth is a good pick? What does she bring to the table?

She is more of a "do-no-harm," "jack-of-all-trades" pick. If Biden feels like prioritizing his running mate's need to be qualified in the event hat she succeeds him and feels pretty confident in most other area of his campaign, that's how she could be chosen.

I do feel like the VP choice will be announced sooner rather than later considering what is going on in the world and the primary already being over. With little (or no?) rallies this campaign season, Dems are going to want the VP pick out early enough so people have time to get to know them amidst all the coronavirus coverage.

I personally expect the announcement around June.

This

I think the announcement will be made around then too

[Lechasseur]

Whitmer is a better choice. The 5 biggest states are MI PA WI AZ FL. The first three are midwestern, a place of obvious appeal and the latter two have a ton of midwestern transplants. Biden can knock down all pins with one ball if done right.

Agreed

[Lechasseur]

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Monday she is not actively lobbying to be selected as Joe Biden’s running mate, breaking with other much-discussed Democratic vice presidential contenders who have more aggressively advocated for a spot on the party’s ticket.

“I mean, I’m not running for anything,” Whitmer said, adding: “I just know that, you know, you don’t run for that. That is a selection of the top of the ticket, and everyone else should be just busy doing their jobs.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/27/whitmer-says-she-wont-campaign-biden-vice-president-vp-211070

I'm seeing some shade from Whitmer in these remarks.  Cause someone is running for "that."

What do you mean by that?

[Lechasseur]

I don’t know why they’re vetting second year governors. Seems silly to waste a new comer from such a powerful position to a ceremonial one.

I don't really get this objection. New Mexico's population is only 2 million. VP of the United States is a far more important position than that. (Hell my own county judge, Lina Hidalgo, oversees more people). Biden also badly needs to consolidate the Hispanic vote, which is by no means assured.

"A poor woman had two sons. One went away to sea. The other became Vice-President of the United States. And neither poor boy was ever heard of again."

If it's such an irrelevant position, why do you even care? Lujan Grisham would be a great choice.

Also most sea captains aren't 77 years old. It'd be good to have someone with executive experience.

It being irrelevant is the point. Why waste a Governor (a non irrelevant job) who’s only been in office for sixteen months on an irrelevant job?

How is it irrelevant? The four year mortality rate of a 77 year old man is 22%. Not to mention the possibility of a tied Senate. The more I think of it, the more picking a governor is a good idea.

Yeah I think picking a governor would make sense.

[Lechasseur]

The argument that VP choices dont give you a "boost" is valid if you completely ignore the fact that this is the most unique election that will ever take place. With such an unorthodox and polarizing President, a global pandemic unlike anything ever seen, and the opposing party's nominee likely only running for one term.... Everyone is going to be looking at the VP choice to see if they want them to take over in four years.

Exactly