Democratic Primaries
Related: About this forumBiden Weighing Unique Steps to Reassure Voters Concerned About His Age
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., aware that concerns about his age could weigh on his candidacy if he runs for the White House, has discussed two steps that could reassure voters about electing a 78-year-old president next year.
Mr. Biden and his top advisers are considering nodding to the rising next generation in Democratic politics and elevating an heir by announcing a running mate early, well before the nomination is sealed. Also under discussion is a possible pledge to serve only one term and framing Mr. Bidens 2020 campaign as a one-time rescue mission for a beleaguered country, according to multiple party officials.
Such moves would amount to a big play that would send a signal about the seriousness of the election, and could potentially appeal to both liberal activists and general-election voters who are eager to chart the safest route toward defeating President Trump. But Mr. Biden is not sold on either approach, and both carry significant risks, chiefly that they could call further attention to the age of a candidate who would turn 80 in the White House.
There is also the risk that Mr. Biden could appear presumptuous even imperious by choosing a running mate before the electorate has the chance to sift the field of candidates, presenting voters with a two-person package before anyone has voted for even the top spot on the ticket. More than a dozen people are running in the Democratic primary, including a record number of women and minorities, and announcing a running mate too soon could foreclose the possibility of uniting the party by inviting a popular runner-up to join the ticket later.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/biden-weighing-unique-steps-to-reassure-voters-concerned-about-his-age/ar-BBV2ZFx?li=BBnb7Kz
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Moostache
(9,897 posts)The longer he waffles, the more it will be used against him if he wins the nomination and the more of these bad ideas will get trial balloon floats...
1) Secure nomination from a talented, deep and broad field
2) Develop relationships with ALL contenders BEFORE picking a running mate
3) Make the decisions on ticket in consultation with the Party, the candidates and the spouses of them
4) Announce a running mate AFTER the primaries are done
5) Pledge to run for a single term AFTER you win, not before...
Skipping these steps would be disastrous for the Party in 2020 and beyond.
Let the primaries have the say here...does the Democratic Party want older, experienced candidates or younger, more likely to gaffe candidates, or an older AND more likely to gaffe than anyone candidate?
Trying to play cute games with the nominating process is not a good idea coming off of 2016 and would absolutely be perceived as out-of-touch. I am not an expert consultant or party insider, but this is NOT a tough call...don't do anything that looks like a stunt after 30 seconds of reflection. Just don't do it!
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
randomguy2021
(10 posts)it's his past and current policy positions.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
BlueWI
(1,736 posts)Updating the policy positions publicly would be the best move, even if he mentions Obama-era policies that he would further champion.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
R B Garr
(16,973 posts)Probably most dont.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
SaschaHM
(2,897 posts)of a long term Democratic Senator and VP passing Democratic policy goals.
Not every one can sit and give speeches for 30 years. Some people actually go to Washington and achieve.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Response to Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin (Original post)
dalton99a This message was self-deleted by its author.
BlueStater
(7,596 posts)His tenure as Vice President under Obama left him with a mostly positive reputation, one that's only going to be damaged if he runs yet another failed presidential campaign.
He's not a good presidential candidate. He wasn't 30 years ago and he's definitely not now.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Autumn
(45,120 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided