Inevitable question: Joe Biden's running mate

[Mister Mets]

He's probably not going for a straight white guy unless something really extraordinary happens. I really have no idea how the Democrats' identity politics focus would deal with a Biden/ Buttigieg ticket.

Tammy Duckworth tops the list for most people’s potential running mates and she should obviously be included on Biden’s. From a key region but her Senate seat would still likely be safe if she gave it up, female, wounded veteran, minority. She checks all the boxes. No ideological heresies for the base to rage about

Yeah, she seems to look the best on paper.

Harris has the highest chance of being his pick. I'm certain that he will pick a female Senator, but if that person is not Harris, then I can also see: Baldwin (though he may be risking a Senate seat with her), Cortez Masto, Duckworth, Klobuchar, or Warren.

This would depend on how Harris does. She balances him in a few ways, and would be seen as a plausible President. If she's a strong second or third in the primary, it could also be part of a unity ticket.

If Booker, Klobuchar, Castro, or Gilibrand finish in the top three, they might easily become the favorites for running mate.

[Mister Mets]

Given the Democratic party's current focus on identity politics, I don't think they'll go with two white guys, even if Buttigieg represents significant diversity in a different way. That said, his background is so unusual and unprecedented that it's not clear what the best balance would be with him on a ticket (IE- Would it make sense to have him on a ticket with a woman?)

[Mister Mets]

Said it before and will say it again - Duckworth is definitely the best pick for him. Woman, generational change, Midwestern, minority, great personal story.

I think she's the top choice. It mainly depends on whether there's something disqualifying that we don't know about, or if someone else gets momentum (IE- If Warren or Harris finish a strong second.)

[Mister Mets]

Someone like Mikie Sherill would be very interesting as well. Biden might not want anyone with that little political experience.

This may be a cycle where first-term members of Congress are looked at for Veep.

It builds on the excitement on the 2018 wins, and the experience argument is less salient with Trump. Many members also have impressive backgrounds, including Sherrill's stint in the Navy, Lucy McBath's work as an anti-gun violence activist, Jahanna Hayes winning Teacher of the Year, and all the Obama administration staffers.

[Mister Mets]

A young white guy with 2 1/2 years of experience in Congress does not seem like a good choice for Biden, especially when Biden should be dominating in Pennsylvania already.