It's going to be Susan Rice for VP

[NNguyenMD]

It's more than about getting more votes or motivating any specific constituency, it's about relationships, chemistry, rapport, and who you feel is going to be prepared on day one of the presidency.

If you read about how President Obama came to terms to selecting Joe Biden for the ticekt, then I am certain the same principles will apply for the Biden 2020 campaign as it did for Obama 2008.

Susan Rice may not get voters excited, but when her life of public service is unveiled there will be no doubt that she is ready to be President.

She also has a long and established rapport with Joe Biden, which is likely to count for a lot more than I think people give it credit for.

I hope he chooses her, an accomplished and battle hardened African American woman who's comfort zone is in the highest eschelons of power will be the equivalent of our Boogeyman to the right.

[sunonmars]

1. Oh no its not.

[PunkinPi]

2. That looks doubtful...

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213613228

[left-of-center2012]

61. What matters is who Biden favors

[grantcart]

3. Betting market strongly disagree. Harris equals all rivals combined (almost)

[NNguyenMD]

9. Maybe so, but...

A life long bureaucrat who has never ran for office, whom our nominee has had a working relationship with dating back to the 1990's and can still make it to the short list, I think speaks volumes to how much respect and admiration Joe Biden has for Susan Rice.

Joe Biden understands the vice presidency better than anyone, he respects and views the office as much more than a launching pad to the next cycle nomination. He is likely to choose someone who's opinion and candor he trusts. In these days there is little time to devote to developing that kind of relationship.

I'm putting my money on Rice, and she really is more qualified than everyone else.

[grantcart]

58. Her qualifications are limited

You mis state them to begin with.

She has 12 years of governmental service.

She has zero experience working in cities as a mayor

She has zero experience working in a state office

She has zero experience working in a legislature.

She has never written a single piece of legislation

She has never run a large bureaucracy serving the needs of millions of 'consumers'

Most importantly she has never had to compete for votes.

She has been a senior advisor and national security counselor basically operating with a single client.

She is on a list because every single woman of color who has had major governmental experience is on the list. There is zero evidence that she is under serious consideration.

Choosing any person who has not had the experience of running under pressure in the public for a major office and put them on the ticket would be malpractice.

Beyond all of that there is no constituency, geographical, social, ethnic or ideological that identifies with her as their leader that she could tap into to be a "force multiplier" for a campaign.

Lastly, as many others have pointed out she would drag the NSC conflicts of the Obama administration (including Benghazi) back into this campaign.

[SharonClark]

71. Well said.

[hlthe2b]

4. I like Rice and not fair to her, but I just don't want to hear a constant "Benghazi" distraction

from now to November.

[JI7]

7. They will attack anyone that Biden picks with bs . If it's not Benghazi it will be some other bs

[smirkymonkey]

8. I really admire Susan Rice and I think she would be great, but that is my biggest concern.

However, if Biden wins, I think she would be a perfect choice as Secretary of State.

[PatSeg]

20. Yes

Add to that her super right-wing Trump supporting son. Though that shouldn't matter, it could be an unnecessary distraction. I agree, she would be an excellent Secretary of State.

[cwydro]

5. I doubt that.

[honest.abe]

6. RW media will have a field day with her son.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/susan-rices-son-is-outspoken-pro-trump-gop-leader-at-stanford

[smirkymonkey]

10. Oh yes, forgot about that.

That is very unfortunate. She is brilliant. It's a shame that her son is hurting her political chances. However, it still wouldn't have any effect upon her being appointed as a Biden cabinet member. She is not her son.

[honest.abe]

14. Yes, it is unfortunate.

I would think she would make a fabulous VP and possible future President.

[NNguyenMD]

11. I think our former NSA director is unmoved by...

Whatever the right media has in mind for her. She is no push over, and smarter than the rest of them.

[honest.abe]

13. I agree but the Biden campaign will likely see this as a major risk if she is picked as VP.

I think it will be Harris.

[sarcasmo]

32. Agree it will be Harris.

[Paladin]

21. That's a deal breaker, right there.

It ought to be Harris for VP. There's no sense in giving overt aid and comfort to trump, at this point.

I'm sure that Ms. Rice will be afforded a prominent position in Biden's administration. Something other than VP.

[Trumpocalypse]

12. No it's only about getting votes

Because if the ticket doesn’t win everything else is irrelevant.

Rice has never run in an election. She doesn’t help in any swing states. And she gives the GOP the excuse to bring up Benghazi again. There are far better choices available.

[BeyondGeography]

15. A California liberal isn't going to help in any swing states either

If not Rice, Demings. Harris adds nothing.

[sunonmars]

16. Harris is a formidable campaigner and we'll need that, Rice is not.

[BeyondGeography]

22. A formidable well-financed campaigner makes it to Iowa

She didn’t come close.

[StarfishSaver]

18. She's more than a "California liberal"

Last edited Sat Jun 20, 2020, 10:01 AM - Edit history (2)

Funny how some people insist she's not liberal enough while some dismiss her as nothing but a "California liberal."

And while everyone is free to like or not like her they choose - and obviously, you really can't stand her - dismissing a woman with her strengths, accomplishments and talents as simply a "California liberal" with nothing to bring to the table says more about anyone making such an off-base observation than it does about her.

[honest.abe]

24. +1

[Docreed2003]

31. 👆...all of this

[BeyondGeography]

36. Here's a look at her tenure in CA

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article243575377.html

Consistently behind the curve on police reform, prison reform, weed...she does not lead. And when she ran for President, she continued the pattern. Against money in politics, then for it. For MFA , then against it. She failed because many people gave up trying to figure out what she stood for. I’m against elevating this type of politician to heir apparent of the Party. It’s a disaster in the making. Sorry.

[honest.abe]

40. She was so "unpopular" in California she won her Senate seat by more than 20 points in 2016.

U.S. Senate
Kamala Harris Democrat 7,542,753 61.6%
Loretta Sanchez Democrat 4,701,417 38.4%

https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2016/results/california

[StarfishSaver]

42. I'm hoping you're just venting and trying to get something out of your system

And that if Harris is Biden's choice, you'll stop trashing her, get on board with the team, and work your butt off to get the Biden-Harris ticket elected.

[BeyondGeography]

45. That's not "just venting"

Those are very specific objections that a lot of good Democrats have about Harris. Now is not the time to be uncritical or unquestioning. I’ll take the loyalty oath when the time comes. Until then, vet.

[honest.abe]

46. This is also not the time to be thinking about passing left-wing purity tests.

The question is who is best suited to help Joe win.

[StarfishSaver]

47. You're not "vetting" anybody. You're not involved in the vetting process

You're just venting.

But, as I said, I hope once the ticket is set, you will stop complaining and get to work doing everything humanly possible to make sure it wins, regardless who the VP nominee is.

[jcgoldie]

37. "some people insist she's not liberal enough while some dismiss her as a "California liberal."

Pretty par for the course if you don't have a penis in politics.

Hillary had the same sort of dichotomy of perceptions.

[StarfishSaver]

48. You noticed that, too?

"But she DOES have flaws, you know ..."

[honest.abe]

19. Harris can help deliver voters across the board.

She has intelligence, charm, charisma, quick-wit which will appeal to many voters in various voter blocks regardless of region.

She will also be a great "attack dog" going after Trump, Pence and others.

[StarfishSaver]

38. The fact that some people are dismissing her as bringing nothing

shows there's still a propensity among some Democrats to treat black voters and other key members of our base as not worth wasting time with.

[honest.abe]

49. Im my opinion she got swiftboated during the primary for being a "controversial" prosecutor.

Totally unfair imo, since anyone who in her position as AG of a huge complex state like California would no doubt be involved in many controversial cases.

[StarfishSaver]

51. Yep

Someone sent Gabbard in to do it and a whole lot of Democrats fell for it.

[SMC22307]

59. Wrong. It's because we've already been Benghazi'd to death...

and we don't want a repeat of 2016. I'd say the same if it were Hillary being considered for VP.

[StarfishSaver]

60. I was talking about Harris, not Rice

That's who the comment I was responding to referenced.

[SMC22307]

65. Capisce. I'd support Harris but I know many have issues...

with her tenure as AG and the fact that she didn't gain any traction during the primaries.

[StarfishSaver]

68. Biden wrote the 1994 Crime Bill and had even less traction in the primaries than Harris did

Any politician who's been in public life for awhile will have something in their record for someone to complain about. And, fortunately, early popularity Iowa and New Hampshire isn't a major determinant of someone's fitness to be vice president.

[SMC22307]

72. And let's hope those disgusted by his role in the Crime Bill turn out and vote.

Based on what we've seen in Wisconsin and Georgia, however, I'm guessing voters will crawl through broken glass to get to the polls in November. We certainly don't need a repeat of low turnout for young'uns and POC during Obama's midterms. It's encouraging to hear Michelle Obama speak to low turnout and focus on GOTV.

[StarfishSaver]

73. I do, too. That's one of the reasons I'm not picking apart Harris' or any other Democrats' record

at this stage of the process.

[SMC22307]

74. Too much at stake with one Donald J Trump in office... people cannot lose sight of that.

This country will be unrecognizable if he gets another term.

[Trumpocalypse]

28. I agree

I don’t think Harris is the best choice either. Too much baggage from her time as a prosecutor.

[LisaL]

17. Whoever it's going to be-going to be pretty awkward for Pence to debate her.

Is mother going to have to be present on a debate stage to chaperon?

[Renew Deal]

23. Harris' chances are overrated

I don’t think she’s as high on the list as people think, partly for the reasons you mentioned.

[honest.abe]

26. Who do you think is higher on the list?

[Renew Deal]

29. Rice

She worked with Biden before and didn’t insult him.

[honest.abe]

30. I was thinking Rice also until I read about her son who is a hard core Trumper.

It's unfair but I believe the Biden team will see this as a huge risk. RW media will be all over it. The kid will be interviewed non-stop on Fox and other RW media. It will be a huge distraction the Biden campaign does not need.

[JI7]

34. The son looks like a douchebag so I don't think him opposing Biden

will hurt much.

[honest.abe]

35. What does his looks have to do with it??

[2naSalit]

57. About as much a factor as

her son being of an opposing view as an adult. He is an adult who is free to make up his own mind, has nothing to do with who she is and what she has accomplished.

Fuck Benghazi too. That is such a trope at this point.

[musclecar6]

25. I agree

with others that Susan Rice would be great for secretary of state or other important positions for Joe. Kamala looks like the best choice for VP, but any of the other excellent women in the running could do a great job.

[milestogo]

27. She's very intelligent.

[sunonmars]

33. Harris Rises To Top of Biden's VP List

Link to tweet

[Tennessee Hillbilly]

39. Does Rice have any campaigning experience?

I think we need someone who is experienced at campaigning and debating.

[sunonmars]

43. None, she's never ran for anything, she's is no way in consideration still for this.

[BannonsLiver]

41. Unlikely.

[fleur-de-lisa]

44. We have so many good choices on the final list.

I will happily take any of them.

Let’s not forget: the other side has an uptight white ass kisser who isn’t allowed to be alone with a woman who isn’t his wife.

[Ohio Joe]

50. This

I agree completely

[procon]

52. "Susan Rice may not get voters excited"

Then most people don't give her a second look. Biden's pick must bring everything you've listed to the job of VP, but also be perceived as personable, charismatic and authentic. She not there.

Since we expect the VP to aim for the presidency, Rice must have it all to get elected. She doesn't.

Use her strengths elsewhere. She can be more effectively placed in a Cabinet position where her skills would be an asset.

[marie999]

53. I think Rice is the best choice.

No matter who he picks, the Republicans will go after her and Rice can keep her cool better than any of the others. Benghazi won't fly, if the Republicans bring it up, keep mentioning how many times the Republicans investigated and found nothing. As for her son, they bring him into it then the Democrats go after trump's family. Pictures of his wife naked with another woman. Pictures with Ivanka with his hands all over her. No matter how low the Republicans go, have the right people take it lower with Biden keeping it on the high level. Show everything he and his family has done to this country. Don't take a knife to a gunfight. This election is going to be down and dirty. One more cliche, if you can't stand the heat stay out of the kitchen.

[Mike 03]

54. Truly hope so.

She's been my favorite since around March when some other DUer thought of this pairing. She has a multitude of attributes and advantages which I've written about in prior posts. She's also qualified to be president on day one.

[ooky]

55. No.

See the way she has been attacked and vilified by the right. She's a polarizing figure for them, and will motivate their voters.

Kamala is the safe pick.

[Demsrule86]

56. Joe Biden well remembers Benghazi...it will not be Rice...no matter how unfair

Benghazi will be used against her. I expect it will be Val Demmings or Tammy Duckworth.

[Indykatie]

62. Biden Will Not Select Someone Who Has Never Held Elected Office n/t

[gulliver]

63. That's the way it looks to me too, although I like Harris a lot too.

Rice comes across as incredibly smart. She speaks in perfectly formed paragraphs in real time, complete with well chosen sub-clauses, parentheticals, and zingers. I think she could dictate a solid essay.

Choosing Rice leaves Harris in the Senate to help bench Moscow Mitch. Rice is also a Mainer, so having her on the ticket could be the final nail in the coffin for Susan Collins' political career (although I think that's over anyway).

Harris has a lot going for her too, unquestionably. I would be very happy with her too.

[Drunken Irishman]

64. This isn't 2008.

But even if it were, there's no comparison between the two.

For one, Biden still needs to excite the electorate, or at least a portion of it. Biden didn't need to do that in 2008 as a VP candidate because the country was plenty excited by Obama. In 2016, Hillary picked Tim Kaine, who is a great guy but not the VP candidate that brought much of anything to the table. It didn't turn out well.

Biden also doesn't need a VP with foreign policy experience because he has a significant amount of it himself.

But Biden did help Obama in 2008.

1) it neutered the experience attack. This was a campaign strategy as they decided they could still seek the hope & change message, despite having a senator on the ticket who had been in Washington for 30 years, because they needed to shore up the experience gap. They didn't just pick Biden on rapport. Biden was on the final list, as was Chris Dodd, because he brought significant experience to the table.

2) Biden had an image of a working class guy from the rust belt and the campaign thought that would work well in contrast of Obama's image, especially with much needed working class whites in those regions.

So while Biden wasn't a regional pick like Edwards had been in 2004, he certainly was still a bit of a political pick. He made up for Obama's perceived weaknesses.

I'm not so sure Rice makes up for Biden's.

I agree Biden is going to look for a rapport but he has one with Harris and may be quick to build one with Demings.

[ElementaryPenguin]

66. I hope you're right. I think she's the most solid pick.

[Awsi Dooger]

67. Biden has to think big picture and long term

Susan Rice is superior to Kamala Harris. That should be the only variable, not dread about Benghazi or some son.

Harris is a flip flopping cheerleader type who goes along with the themes of the moment. That is why she jumped into that dance. That's why she is immediately prone to making a stupid overreactive comment. If she runs on her own the swing voters will see right through her.

Our party has had a dearth of excellent candidates emerge at the top. That's why it was so meaningless that 20 -- or whatever -- sought the nomination. One after another could be thrown out because they simply weren't special enough to get through a general election against GOP onslaught. Susan Rice did not run but she is that caliber. This is the type of person we need to elevate, to give an artificial boost via the vice presidential slot.

Otherwise if Biden only serves 4 years we're stuck with the same pool we had this time. Yes, they are great Democrats. They earn raves here. Who cares? I am looking at this from a handicapper perspective. They can't win. Susan Rice has that extra gear. I know damn well the people in my living room during those debate watching parties would have been super impressed with her and felt that she was plenty warm enough. Kamala Harris, in contrast, is going to come across as a phony.

This should not be a difficult choice if Joe Biden throws away the short term fear.

[jcgoldie]

69. "the short term fear"

"The short term fear" as you put it is 4 more fucking years of the worst person in the world being president. I don't care one bit about 2024 at this point pick the person that maximizes the chance to win now! In my opinion its Demings.