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

[South Dakota Democrat]

Firstly, Black voters (generalizing for the sake of discussion) voted for Biden in the primary because he already represents the politics that they believe in, so the ideological representation of Black voters is already on the ticket: at the top of the ticket. Secondly, the Democratic Party is more than just one African-American voting bloc. Other groups' ideological politics - young Black voters, LGBTQ+ voters, Hispanic/Latino voters, & all other voters - deserve to be represented as well by an ideologically left candidate. This isn't Harris, nor Demings, nor really anybody else but Warren.

Black voters chose Biden because he was supposed to be the candidate most palatable to white voters. Now when folks ask for a Black VP all of a sudden Biden can't win white people on his own and needs to choose XYZ white candidate who ignored Black voters until they were running in the primary.

Harris and others are just as progressive as Warren. Most voters are not even ideological so not understanding why the only way progressive values will be represented on the ticket is if it's Warren.

Warren is more progressive than Harris.

[South Dakota Democrat]

Warren is more progressive than Harris.

K. Like I said both are progressive and most voters are not ideological. That you think X voter will really care about the nuance of their healthcare policy or where they stand on corporate taxes is funny.

You also seem to have failed to read what he wrote.
1) Biden won the overwhelming support of black voters, on the backs of old blacks. They’re suppprt for him never wavered in the primary and they got the candidate they wanted. They also are simultaneously the most likely to vote and are the voters that would be excited by a black VP. There’s no more upside trying to appeal to them.

2) Warren didn’t ignore Black voters. If anything, she’s been the most consistent in both the primary and the Veepstakes on pushing policies to help the Black community.

No I read it and didn't agree. And that last point is not true. Warren does not have receipts in Black spaces. Period. I'm glad that woke Black blue checks supported her on Twitter (I did as well for much of the primary) but that doesn't substitute an actual record (that Kamala has and doesn't have to build one overnight if selected). Kamala centered Black women in her platform but her actual policies were ignored for whatever reason. She has also been very vocal on COVID-19's disproportionate impact on Black people and the recent killings of unarmed Black Americans by vigilantes and police officers.

Young, Black voters are not all enamored by Warren and Bernie. Many don't know who she is nor have they even tuned in yet so I'm not convinced that Warren will be this big boon for young Black people.

Yeah, because that's totally what I said.

[South Dakota Democrat]

My top two choices would be Warren or Lance Bottoms, in that order.  I previously dismissed Lance Bottoms because of experience, but in terms of leadership, I think she would be top notch. 

I don't think Harris necessarily hurts, but I don't think she helps much either.

Klobuchar is probably too toxic at this point to be picked.

Abrams would be a fine choice too.  Not as much experience in the conventional sense, but that's not necessarily the end all be all.  I mean, Buttigieg was mayor of a pretty small city, and most considered him qualified.  I think Abrams probably has more relevant experience than that.

[South Dakota Democrat]

There are ways around that like Joe /Keisha Or JB/KB

Or Biden-Lance Bottoms

[South Dakota Democrat]

https://twitter.com/AprilDRyan/status/1268541259418931202?s=20

Welp, there's the answer to my post right above this. I think Rice, Whitmer, Klobuchar, and Abrams are unlikely at this point. So down to KLB, Demings, Harris, and Warren?

No, this doesn't prove anything about who else might be in contention.  On your earlier question about whether Duckworth was being vetted, as mentioned earlier in the thread, Durbin said that she was being interviewed: https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-tammy-duckworth-joe-biden-richard-durbin-20200515-gxj2pn6jnffrdncazxi4gon3ji-story.html
and then shortly thereafter, Duckworth was asked if she's being vetted and she dodged: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDP9z3YYX1I

I'd caution people against jumping to the conclusion that every leak of several names is meant to be the complete list of everyone who's being vetted.  That's what people kept assuming four years ago, and it was like "Here's a list of 4 people being vetted.  Oh, now here's one with 5 names that has 2 new ones but one name dropped off.  I guess that means that person's out."  No, that's not how it works.  Not every list of names is going to be complete.

This.

[South Dakota Democrat]

I’m more irritated that Rice made it to the top six but not Duckworth. WTH

It said "at least" 6...and they didn't name everyone in the list...

[South Dakota Democrat]

Biden is gonna pick a Senator. Picking someone from South FL as African American doesnt help Biden.  Val Demings wont be picked. That's why Biden is going with Abrams. 

The protests will die down, Lebron James was close to Stephen Jackson, and was very vocal in the Trayvon Martin.  Once Lakers start playing, there wont be anymore protests.

There isnt a dime's worth of differences between Warren or Harris. Jill Biden has a friendship with Warren

Abrams isn't a senator.

[South Dakota Democrat]

Just don't pick Susan Rice. The right would have a field day with her. Anyone but her.

Who cares if the right has a field day with her?  They'll have a field day with anyone.  That really shoudn't guide Biden's thinking so much.

Rice would be an outstanding vice president.  Ready on day one, which is very important given Biden's age.

[South Dakota Democrat]

Just don't pick Susan Rice. The right would have a field day with her. Anyone but her.

Who cares if the right has a field day with her?  They'll have a field day with anyone.  That really shoudn't guide Biden's thinking so much.

Rice would be an outstanding vice president.  Ready on day one, which is very important given Biden's age.

She's never run for office and I feel like she has limited appeal beyond Beltway types, who all hate Trump anyway. He should pick Duckworth or Harris and make Rice Secretary of State.

I guess I'm just coming at it from a different angle.  I think competence in the job should be the #1 priority, since I honestly don't think the VP pick will change much electorally.  I could see an argument, though, that picking the best person to lead the ticket in 2024 is the best option, in which case Rice probably wouldn't be the right choice.

[South Dakota Democrat]

I mean as in Biden would be wise to tone down the culture wars as President. Harris comes off as more concerned about that stuff than anything.

Ending systemic racism that is literally killing whole communities is culture wars I guess.

Shutting down Trump's twitter would have been a distraction.

That said, her healthcare plan was one of the best in the primary field.

Yeah that's true, but mostly because she took every position there was on healthcare.  

Harris isn't my favorite, but if Biden picks her, fine.  There's never going to be any candidate that checks all the boxes and will appeal to everyone.

[South Dakota Democrat]

Regarding Demings, I will say this.  While she has only been in the House a short period of time, she has served on some very important committees (Homeland Security, Judiciary, and Intelligence).  I feel like the Biden camp could make the case that she's qualified enough, if they needed to. 

[South Dakota Democrat]

Biden isnt picking Val Demings since she isnt a Senator and Harris isnt that great of a pick, the same people like President Johnson who didnt want her as Prez are lobbying her to be picked as Veep.  Its gonna be Warren

Why do you keep saying it's destined to be Warren. What indication is there that it will be Warren.

In the heat of the BLM movement right now, I don't know how and old white guy that's running as a democrat just picks and an old white woman as his VEEP.

Not to mention he and Harris are more in line in policy, something that he has stated is very important to him. Also, She has been great in joint fundraising with him

Didnt you read my post, Hilary ran in 2016 and she is just as old as Warren. HILARY likes to say hi. And Biden said he would pick Warren in 2016 if he ran for Prez

I know I'm not supposed to respond, but I can't resist.

1. You misspelled Hillary.
2. Why did you randomly put Hillary in all caps?  Stop yelling!

[South Dakota Democrat]

I'm not sure what the point of Warren being under consideration is. Even well before the protests, the intentions seemed clear that he wasn't interested in a white woman as his running mate.

And if it was to placate the progressive base, it would've made more sense to have Abrams or Duckworth this deep in the mix even if he has no intention of choosing them.

Regarding Demings, I will say this.  While she has only been in the House a short period of time, she has served on some very important committees (Homeland Security, Judiciary, and Intelligence).  I feel like the Biden camp could make the case that she's qualified enough, if they needed to. 

I know you said 'if they needed to', but "She's got more political experience than the president" seems good enough to me

Democrats are held to a different standard, as you know.

[South Dakota Democrat]

https://twitter.com/ShaneGoldmacher/status/1273004134044782592

This article basically sort of corroborate something from the Politico article that claimed Klobuchar's chances of becoming VP had collapsed: that despite being white Warren would likely get the least backlash thanks in part to a fair number of Black activists and voters who really like her policies that they believe would be quite beneficial for the Black community at large. It also helps that unlike Harris or Demings, Warren hasn't been involved in a profession of criminal justice.

It also lists a few potential drawbacks: her age and ideology. Plus the fact that Harris is undeniably the frontrunner at this point.

This.

Warren has been thinking about how we rebuild the pillars of our society from the ground up - rather than how to make piecemeal changes - for her entire career. When it comes to economic policy that takes into account individual communities' needs instead of just the broad 'rising tide'-type policies, she has bold ideas that'll specifically help the Black community. When it comes to police reform & public safety, she's got a plan for that. When it comes to systemic racism, she's got a plan for that.

This isn't to say that other candidates who happen to be of color aren't qualified, but Warren is head-&-shoulders above them in terms of policy, guts, know-how, etc., & I've truly come to believe that she'd be the best VP (& future President) for the Black community all across this country. I think a number of other candidates are qualified, & would make history, but I'm not fully sold on the idea that they'd fight for the change we need to see, & while I can't speak for the Black community as a whole, I know my Black friends prefer a white woman who's all for bringing about structural change to a Black woman who might not be able to.

In terms of appeal to Black voters, she not only has the policy, the brains, & the ability to hammer out solutions, but she also understands that she can always learn more. She acknowledges when she's wrong & she makes efforts to fix her mistakes based on actually listening to the people she's wronged. She doesn't just crack open a book & say "statistically, this should work;" she turns to the downtrodden & says "tell me what you need," then she listens & she figures out how to make it happen. That ability to be wrong, to listen, & to reach out to continue educating herself is what puts her above not just the other VP contenders, but most politicians in this country too.

Oh yeah, & the party rank-&-file still wants her 2-to-1.

I wouldn't be upset what-so-ever if Elizabeth Warren is picked for the VP slot. I don't think she will, but if she isn't, then Biden has to choose her for Secretary of the Treasury. Wall Street would go nuts, but we need someone who's really going to shake-up the system.

It would cost Ds a senate seat they can't afford to lose. Baker would appoint a Susan Collins 2.0

No.  This has been debunked many times over.  The Massachusetts legislature would very likely pass a law making it so Baker has to pick someone from the same party as the outgoing senator.  Baker would likely prefer this, too, because it would be in his interest to appoint a Democrat, but he would want to say he was made to do it.

[South Dakota Democrat]

https://twitter.com/ShaneGoldmacher/status/1273004134044782592

This article basically sort of corroborate something from the Politico article that claimed Klobuchar's chances of becoming VP had collapsed: that despite being white Warren would likely get the least backlash thanks in part to a fair number of Black activists and voters who really like her policies that they believe would be quite beneficial for the Black community at large. It also helps that unlike Harris or Demings, Warren hasn't been involved in a profession of criminal justice.

It also lists a few potential drawbacks: her age and ideology. Plus the fact that Harris is undeniably the frontrunner at this point.

This.

Warren has been thinking about how we rebuild the pillars of our society from the ground up - rather than how to make piecemeal changes - for her entire career. When it comes to economic policy that takes into account individual communities' needs instead of just the broad 'rising tide'-type policies, she has bold ideas that'll specifically help the Black community. When it comes to police reform & public safety, she's got a plan for that. When it comes to systemic racism, she's got a plan for that.

This isn't to say that other candidates who happen to be of color aren't qualified, but Warren is head-&-shoulders above them in terms of policy, guts, know-how, etc., & I've truly come to believe that she'd be the best VP (& future President) for the Black community all across this country. I think a number of other candidates are qualified, & would make history, but I'm not fully sold on the idea that they'd fight for the change we need to see, & while I can't speak for the Black community as a whole, I know my Black friends prefer a white woman who's all for bringing about structural change to a Black woman who might not be able to.

In terms of appeal to Black voters, she not only has the policy, the brains, & the ability to hammer out solutions, but she also understands that she can always learn more. She acknowledges when she's wrong & she makes efforts to fix her mistakes based on actually listening to the people she's wronged. She doesn't just crack open a book & say "statistically, this should work;" she turns to the downtrodden & says "tell me what you need," then she listens & she figures out how to make it happen. That ability to be wrong, to listen, & to reach out to continue educating herself is what puts her above not just the other VP contenders, but most politicians in this country too.

Oh yeah, & the party rank-&-file still wants her 2-to-1.

I wouldn't be upset what-so-ever if Elizabeth Warren is picked for the VP slot. I don't think she will, but if she isn't, then Biden has to choose her for Secretary of the Treasury. Wall Street would go nuts, but we need someone who's really going to shake-up the system.

It would cost Ds a senate seat they can't afford to lose. Baker would appoint a Susan Collins 2.0

Ok, I hate when people say this. But the risk is worth the reward. People think that the Senate is going to go 50-50 after this, then that's not thinking correctly. If the Dems win back the Senate, they're going to win more than just 4 seats. It'll be a few and sure Baker makes an appointment, Pressley is going to run against that person and win easily. If Joe wants to pick Warren, do it. I suspect that the Democrats can win more than just 4 seats, I think Montana will go to Bullock, Ernst looks like she's on the way out in Iowa, Doug Jones can certainly retain his seat, the two seats in Georgia are toss-up's and depending who Kansas nominates they could win that seat too.

For the last time, there will NOT be a Republican in that seat at any point in time.  Baker would appoint a Democrat because the MA legislature will make him do so.  I don't know how many times myself and other posters have to point that out for it to sink in.

[South Dakota Democrat]

I’m actually fine with Harris. I never really saw the charisma people always claims she has, but I respect her skills on the debate stage, the stump, and her work on CJ reform these last few weeks.

Again, my only complaint is that I don’t want her running in 2024 as the de-facto incumbent like Gore & Hillary. We’ll arguably not have had a truly competitive primary in 16 years by that time.

Eh I don't really care about that, I just want a good, qualified liberal President and Harris gets me that.

Hillary likely would’ve been a good, qualified liberal President. That doesn’t mean she was a good or the best candidate to lead the ticket. Biden & Bernie blocked possibly better candidates this year, like Hillary did in ‘16 and Gore did in ‘00.

Considering the all-but-dead state that the eventual nominee's campaign was in after IA & NH, it simply can't be argued that 2020 wasn't "a truly competitive primary."

Normally that would be true, but in this case, it is both true that Biden was near dead after IA and NH and also true that ultimately the primary wasn't very competitive.  It just speaks to the craziness of how things played out and how effectively Biden was able to consolidate moderates (aided by folks dropping out and endorsing him ahead of Super Tuesday).

[South Dakota Democrat]

I’m actually fine with Harris. I never really saw the charisma people always claims she has, but I respect her skills on the debate stage, the stump, and her work on CJ reform these last few weeks.

Again, my only complaint is that I don’t want her running in 2024 as the de-facto incumbent like Gore & Hillary. We’ll arguably not have had a truly competitive primary in 16 years by that time.

Eh I don't really care about that, I just want a good, qualified liberal President and Harris gets me that.

Hillary likely would’ve been a good, qualified liberal President. That doesn’t mean she was a good or the best candidate to lead the ticket. Biden & Bernie blocked possibly better candidates this year, like Hillary did in ‘16 and Gore did in ‘00.

Considering the all-but-dead state that the eventual nominee's campaign was in after IA & NH, it simply can't be argued that 2020 wasn't "a truly competitive primary."

Normally that would be true, but in this case, it is both true that Biden was near dead after IA and NH and also true that ultimately the primary wasn't very competitive.  It just speaks to the craziness of how things played out and how effectively Biden was able to consolidate moderates (aided by folks dropping out and endorsing him ahead of Super Tuesday).

You're right, yes, but by that logic, 2004 wasn't "a truly competitive primary" even though it definitely was: things played out to the effect that Kerry was able to consolidate (aided by folks dropping out & endorsing him) & eventually win most of the states, sure, but going into that contest, it wasn't a coronation a-la 2000 or 2016. Just like 2020 wasn't a coronation a-la 2000 or 2016.

I actually don't consider 2004 a truly competitive primary.  I don't know how it would be, really.

How it looks going into it isn't necessarily indicative of how it will turn out.  I think you're getting at the fact that both 2020 and 2004 looked competitive going in...ultimately, however, they weren't in the end.

[South Dakota Democrat]

I’m actually fine with Harris. I never really saw the charisma people always claims she has, but I respect her skills on the debate stage, the stump, and her work on CJ reform these last few weeks.

Again, my only complaint is that I don’t want her running in 2024 as the de-facto incumbent like Gore & Hillary. We’ll arguably not have had a truly competitive primary in 16 years by that time.

Eh I don't really care about that, I just want a good, qualified liberal President and Harris gets me that.

Hillary likely would’ve been a good, qualified liberal President. That doesn’t mean she was a good or the best candidate to lead the ticket. Biden & Bernie blocked possibly better candidates this year, like Hillary did in ‘16 and Gore did in ‘00.

Considering the all-but-dead state that the eventual nominee's campaign was in after IA & NH, it simply can't be argued that 2020 wasn't "a truly competitive primary."

Normally that would be true, but in this case, it is both true that Biden was near dead after IA and NH and also true that ultimately the primary wasn't very competitive.  It just speaks to the craziness of how things played out and how effectively Biden was able to consolidate moderates (aided by folks dropping out and endorsing him ahead of Super Tuesday).

You're right, yes, but by that logic, 2004 wasn't "a truly competitive primary" even though it definitely was: things played out to the effect that Kerry was able to consolidate (aided by folks dropping out & endorsing him) & eventually win most of the states, sure, but going into that contest, it wasn't a coronation a-la 2000 or 2016. Just like 2020 wasn't a coronation a-la 2000 or 2016.

I actually don't consider 2004 a truly competitive primary.  I don't know how it would be, really.

How it looks going into it isn't necessarily indicative of how it will turn out.  I think you're getting at the fact that both 2020 and 2004 looked competitive going in...ultimately, however, they weren't in the end.

Looked competitive is a major distinction from "not truly competitive," though. Because 2000 & 2016 - the coronations that were "not truly competitive" - never looked competitive to begin with. Whereas 2004 & 2020 started out being competitive. Were they as competitive as 2008? No. But they're certainly not at the level of non-competitiveness that 2000 & 2016 represented.

ok

[South Dakota Democrat]

I would take the reporting that it's between Harris and Demings with a huge grain of salt.

[South Dakota Democrat]

If it's between them then please pick Demings. I don't know if I can vote for a ticket with Harris on it.

You can too.

[South Dakota Democrat]

I don’t see how Susan Rice Is not running away with it at this point. A black woman with experience Who is close to Joe without Law And order baggage. Benghazi Was not the deciding factor in Hillary’s loss. This seems like a no brainer to me. She’s also got a big media presence She’s on MSNBC all the time and she’s doing the Bill Maher show tonight.

Susan Rice would be a horrendous pick. Just stop.

He or she is under no obligation to stop.  Maybe try refuting his or her warrants before saying that this person is wrong or should just shut up.

[South Dakota Democrat]

If he picks Baldwin I might go hide.

??!!

[South Dakota Democrat]

If he picks Baldwin I might go hide.

Hide? Lol wdym

She is a solid pick.

Oh got it, I keep forgetting you want the racist, fascist, idiot Trump to win.

[South Dakota Democrat]

i really don't get why it's not Duckworth, i really don't see the downside to her from like, any angle

True.  Not a ton of upside with Duckworth, but just about literally no downside.  That's honestly the best you can probably get.

[South Dakota Democrat]

i really don't get why it's not Duckworth, i really don't see the downside to her from like, any angle

True.  Not a ton of upside with Duckworth, but just about literally no downside.  That's honestly the best you can probably get.

but she was like, a helicopter pilot who lost her legs fighting for her country, that's pretty impressive. that would really stick it to all the ppl who say Democrats aren't patriotic and sh**t

It's a compelling biography, but probably doesn't significantly expand turnout or cause undecideds to vote for Biden.  But like I said, I don't think anyone really does that, and at least it doesn't hurt.