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Joe BidenCongratulations to our presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden!
 

Sloumeau

(2,657 posts)
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 06:17 AM Dec 2019

A Lot Of Us Biden Fans Have Long Wanted Harris As His VP For Some Very Good Reasons

Over these past months of the 2020 Democratic Presidential Campaign, a number of Biden fans, including me, have indicated repeatedly that we think Senator Kamala Harris would make a great VP for Joe Biden. We haven't suggested this because we don't think that Senator Harris was good enough to be President or deserving enough to be President. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Many of us Biden fans would have strongly considered Senator Harris as our first pick if Joe Biden was not in the race. Please let me explain all of the reasons why so many Biden fans have wanted, and still want, to see Kamala Harris as Joe Biden's VP:

1. We think that she is the total package: smart, well educated, and incredibly hard-working. We think she's a winner and we want a winner on our team.

2. She's a person of color and a woman, and we really want to help elevate both people of color and women.

3. We think that Kamala Harris on the ticket will help bring unity to the Democratic Party. We figure if Joe Biden shows that he very much wants Senator Harris on the ticket, even after she was a bit tough on him in that first debate, it will show everyone that Joe doesn't hold grudges and that he wants to include all Democrats in his strategy.

4. There's another reason that many of us Biden fans would like to see Senator Kamala Harris as Joe Biden's VP pick. We noticed the terrible racism and sexism that happened in the 2016 campaign, and we think that the intersectionality of Senator Kamala Harris being both a woman and person of color might under normal circumstances make her run for President if she were the nominee tougher than it might be for either a white woman or a man of color. However, we also know that about a third of Vice Presidents go on to become President, and a lot of that has to do with their increased stature and national recognition from being Vice President. Many of us believe that a Kamala Harris Vice Presidency may simply be the quickest way to get an African American woman to become President.

5. We think that a Joe Biden/Kamala Harris ticket would crush Donald Trump. Biden has shown repeatedly in polls that he's the one most likely to beat Donald Trump. He'll give us the Democratic votes, the Independent votes, and the Rust Belt votes we need. In addition, Kamala Harris should help us to get votes from men, women, and people of all colors nationwide. Together, their ticket is diverse and probably gives the Democrats the best chance of kicking the Orange Menace out of the White House--and we Biden fans want that very, very much.

So, to summarize, we Biden fans have not been saying that we want Senator Kamala Harris to be Joe Biden's VP because we think so little of her. We want her to be Joe Biden's VP because we think so much of her and because we think very much that she can greatly help us to win. Because we like Joe Biden so much, we see him as our Michael Jordan. We feel that we also need our Scottie Pippen, someone who is a great star in their own right, in order for the Democrats to maximize their potential for winning in November 2020.

For many of us Joe Biden fans, we hope very much that Joe Biden wins the nomination, that he asks Senator Kamala Harris to be his VP, and that she accepts. We don't want Joe to offer her a consolation prize. We want Joe to offer her a ticket to the White House and to greatly improve her chances of getting there on her own someday. We aren't just trying to look out for White America or male America. We are trying to look out for all of America. Happy Holidays everyone, and may whoever wins the nomination beat Trump like a drum!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
34 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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A Lot Of Us Biden Fans Have Long Wanted Harris As His VP For Some Very Good Reasons (Original Post) Sloumeau Dec 2019 OP
She would be a great VP pick for him. Funtatlaguy Dec 2019 #1
Agreed padah513 Dec 2019 #2
AG, yes! True Blue American Dec 2019 #3
Biden would need a woman and not a staunchly progressive one. Funtatlaguy Dec 2019 #4
Why do you think Biden would "re-vet" Kavanaugh? delisen Dec 2019 #5
She'd be great DownriverDem Dec 2019 #20
Wouldn't Abrams be a better choice? CA is never in play for Republicans. Considering how... Tarheel_Dem Dec 2019 #6
I believe that Stacy Abrams would make an awesome VP. Sloumeau Dec 2019 #7
Good point DownriverDem Dec 2019 #21
While I understand those who've suggested/wished that Biden would chose Harris as VP, should he hlthe2b Dec 2019 #8
VP is for more than winning the election IronLionZion Dec 2019 #9
If Biden does choose someone currently in office (of any kind)... Pacifist Patriot Dec 2019 #15
I think you are right in your analysis. Stacy is a coming star but Kamala is already a star and she CTyankee Dec 2019 #24
VP would be a good combo but I think she would be more valuabe as AG. efhmc Dec 2019 #10
I thought that as well, until someone reminded me of Sally Yates. Pacifist Patriot Dec 2019 #17
My dream ticket has always been Biden/Harris peggysue2 Dec 2019 #30
Agreed. Pacifist Patriot Dec 2019 #31
Total agreement.... ashredux Dec 2019 #11
AG True Blue American Dec 2019 #13
Good post and I enjoyed reading it. TidalWave46 Dec 2019 #12
Kamala Harris doesn't add California to the Democratic Electoral College total bucolic_frolic Dec 2019 #14
Who then? honest.abe Dec 2019 #18
"Few VPs in recent history have been picked to bring a certain state in the election." bucolic_frolic Dec 2019 #25
Huh?? honest.abe Dec 2019 #29
nope left-of-center2012 Dec 2019 #16
I like a Biden/Harris Ticket Gothmog Dec 2019 #19
Biden/Harris? Biden/Warren? Hortensis Dec 2019 #22
I agree with the OP 100% world wide wally Dec 2019 #23
i always thought it would be my dream ticket but she lost me the first debate when she... samnsara Dec 2019 #26
obvious choice as she would ADD to his ability to win in states that hillary lost beachbumbob Dec 2019 #27
Yes. I've been suggesting that all along. MineralMan Dec 2019 #28
Nope. The Valley Below Dec 2019 #32
Joe appears to be open to considering Harris Gothmog Dec 2019 #33
Good on Joe! honest.abe Dec 2019 #34
 

Funtatlaguy

(10,856 posts)
1. She would be a great VP pick for him.
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 06:41 AM
Dec 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

padah513

(2,483 posts)
2. Agreed
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 06:56 AM
Dec 2019

Wouldn't make a bad AG either. In fact, I think I'd prefer her in that role. A lot of people got away with a lot of crap during this administration. I'd like to see a few of them receive some much-deserved justice. Maybe even do a full re-vetting of Kavanaugh. Christine Ford deserves no less.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
3. AG, yes!
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 07:01 AM
Dec 2019

VP, Mayor Pete, or Warren.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Funtatlaguy

(10,856 posts)
4. Biden would need a woman and not a staunchly progressive one.
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 07:03 AM
Dec 2019

Harris or Klobuchar or Abrams.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

delisen

(6,039 posts)
5. Why do you think Biden would "re-vet" Kavanaugh?
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 07:07 AM
Dec 2019

That would seem to be in conflict with his "get along with the other side" plan and would be extremely divisive.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

DownriverDem

(6,206 posts)
20. She'd be great
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 09:43 AM
Dec 2019

and a uniter too. We have never had a woman VP. Our country needs to wake up.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Tarheel_Dem

(31,211 posts)
6. Wouldn't Abrams be a better choice? CA is never in play for Republicans. Considering how...
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 07:11 AM
Dec 2019

close Stacey came, and how she motivated the AA community, especially women of color, I think she'd make a much better #2. However, Kamala Harris would totally rock as AG.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Sloumeau

(2,657 posts)
7. I believe that Stacy Abrams would make an awesome VP.
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 07:27 AM
Dec 2019

However, when looking at a VP, I take all kinds of things into consideration. When Choosing a VP, we should always be looking at a potential future President. U.S. Presidents have mainly come from three sources: U.S. Senators, Governors, and Generals. Kamala Harris, as a U.S. Senator, fits the mold and might make the transition more smoothly. Yet, there is no overlooking Stacy Abrams appealing personality and incredible energy, so, I'd also be pretty happy with Abrams as VP.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

DownriverDem

(6,206 posts)
21. Good point
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 09:44 AM
Dec 2019

Usually a VP pick is to help the ticket state wise too. I'm sure this will be looked at carefully too.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

hlthe2b

(101,730 posts)
8. While I understand those who've suggested/wished that Biden would chose Harris as VP, should he
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 08:21 AM
Dec 2019

ultimately prevail and get the nomination and I've thought that too, the need to bring in electoral college votes in states that are battlegrounds, might preclude California's Kamala Harris. Don't get me wrong--I really love her and think she'd be a great choice, but... big picture pragmatism may ultimately prevail. There is nothing that will be accomplished for any of us nor any group of us, without defeating Trump.

But, Klobuchar could be a good choice that clicks off all the necessary boxes and I'd imagine both her positions and temperament would mesh well with Biden.

Not to get ahead of ourselves of course. There is one heck of a long way to go until the nomination.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

IronLionZion

(45,261 posts)
9. VP is for more than winning the election
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 08:28 AM
Dec 2019

we saw how well Biden worked with Obama as VP. Those two were a great team, and he wasn't chosen to win Delaware. A president needs a VP he/she can work with on all sorts of stuff.

I'm with you on choosing a minority or woman as VP, but doubt a powerful US Senator from our largest and most liberal state would want to give up that position.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Pacifist Patriot

(24,647 posts)
15. If Biden does choose someone currently in office (of any kind)...
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 09:26 AM
Dec 2019

we're best off if he chooses someone in a very safe Democratic district or state. I'd be delighted with Stacy Abrams, but I don't think Kamala Harris would turn down a place on the ticket because she's a powerful U S Senator from our largest and most liberal state. A heart beat away from the highest office in the land isn't exactly a step down the ladder.

Whomever he chooses, I hope it is someone he can partner with like he did with Obama, and who doesn't put a vulnerable office into play.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

CTyankee

(63,771 posts)
24. I think you are right in your analysis. Stacy is a coming star but Kamala is already a star and she
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 10:17 AM
Dec 2019

would be great on a ticket with Biden.

The only concern I have is with Biden's health. I don't think advanced age has been kind to him.

So let it be...

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

efhmc

(14,709 posts)
10. VP would be a good combo but I think she would be more valuabe as AG.
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 08:31 AM
Dec 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Pacifist Patriot

(24,647 posts)
17. I thought that as well, until someone reminded me of Sally Yates.
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 09:28 AM
Dec 2019

I think Ms. Yates would do a great job cleaning up the corruption if she has any interest in the position. Honestly, I'd be delighted with either as AG.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
30. My dream ticket has always been Biden/Harris
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 12:29 PM
Dec 2019

Yet I understand the electoral college strategy in which Amy Klobuchar becomes very attractive. That being said, Stacy Abrams would be a knockout choice. The suggestion that surprised (and delighted) me was Sally Yates. Her standup against the Trump Administration based on principle and law was a beautiful thing to witness.

If Biden takes the nomination, he'll have a rich field to choose from, so the VP selection doesn't worry me much beyond the gender choice. I think the choice of a woman is the way to go and sets up that individual for her own presidential run. It's long overdue and would go a long way in healing the disaster and disappointment of 2016.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ashredux

(2,593 posts)
11. Total agreement....
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 08:39 AM
Dec 2019

I’ve been thinking the same since she entered the race. Biden’s comments yesterday were right in line with such a move

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
13. AG
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 08:58 AM
Dec 2019

Would be Harris expertises.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

TidalWave46

(2,061 posts)
12. Good post and I enjoyed reading it.
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 08:53 AM
Dec 2019

There is a problem with one thing you emphasize. Now it the time to talk about this. Every mention of it before today was really nothing more than a slap to Harris and her supporters. Doesn’t matter if you qualified it by saying she is qualified.

There are a lot of people I would put before Harris if Biden wins. I say that as someone who could easily vote for Harris for President.

Enjoyed reading.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

bucolic_frolic

(42,679 posts)
14. Kamala Harris doesn't add California to the Democratic Electoral College total
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 09:01 AM
Dec 2019

California is already there.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

honest.abe

(8,556 posts)
18. Who then?
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 09:41 AM
Dec 2019

Warren? Nope, we already have Massachusetts.
Sanders? Nope, we already have Vermont.
Klobuchar? Nope, we likely have MN already.
Pete? Nope, we arent going to get Indiana.
Booker? Nope, we already have NJ.
Beto? Maybe, but doubt we win TX.
Abrams? Maybe, but doubt we win GA.

My point is that geography doesn't really matter anymore. Few VPs in recent history have been picked to bring a certain state in the election. Its more about how they match up and complement the nominee. IMO, Harris is a near perfect VP for Biden. She has charisma, energy, intellect, charm and is tough as nails. She will be Biden's attack dog when they try to go after him with baseless lies and accusations. She also will help with the Latino and AA vote and with women and she is young.. in relative terms.

Biden/Harris is a winner... imo.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

bucolic_frolic

(42,679 posts)
25. "Few VPs in recent history have been picked to bring a certain state in the election."
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 10:26 AM
Dec 2019

except for Kerry-Edwards, Trump-Pence (brought the midwest), Clinton-Gore (brought the south), Clinton-Kaine (Virginia)

A Californian on the ticket will alienate many GOP moderates or independent conservatives in purple states. It's a terrible choice in my view.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

honest.abe

(8,556 posts)
29. Huh??
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 10:44 AM
Dec 2019

Edwards? NC was very Red at the time.
Pence? Indiana is a solid Red state.
Kaine? Virginia is a Blue state now.
Gore? Tennesse.. a Red state.

None of those guys were picked specifically to win their state. They were picked for broader reasons.. which is my point with Kamala.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(144,005 posts)
19. I like a Biden/Harris Ticket
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 09:42 AM
Dec 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
22. Biden/Harris? Biden/Warren?
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 09:58 AM
Dec 2019

The OP laid out some good points, and I've liked the sound of Biden/Harris from the beginning, when Harris of course didn't want that to cross any minds.

On this subject, it's worth knowing also that those stories of the hostile Biden-Warren "feud" are... malarkey.

In 2015, when Biden was considering running, he already had one running mate and future vice-cum-assistant president in mind: Elizabeth Warren. He and Warren even met to discuss it, and the word from his people was that she was noncommital but door open. As we know, Hillary also wanted Warren as VP, but two (white) women, etc.

Although We the People have already elected our first woman president, an election blocked by the electoral college's failure to perform its function, we've still to elect our first female VP.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

world wide wally

(21,719 posts)
23. I agree with the OP 100%
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 10:11 AM
Dec 2019

She is also great at turning a phrase. I'm sure she could handle Pence or Nikki Haley

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

samnsara

(17,570 posts)
26. i always thought it would be my dream ticket but she lost me the first debate when she...
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 10:28 AM
Dec 2019

....yelled at Joe. To me it came across as bullying. I would love to see her as AG however..

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

beachbumbob

(9,263 posts)
27. obvious choice as she would ADD to his ability to win in states that hillary lost
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 10:32 AM
Dec 2019

and no other VP selection would do.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
28. Yes. I've been suggesting that all along.
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 10:41 AM
Dec 2019

I think she'd be an excellent choice.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Valley Below

(1,701 posts)
32. Nope.
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 01:19 PM
Dec 2019

I see three essential elements of a good VP pick for Joe Biden:

1) The choice should help the ticket (and Democrats running for Congress and statewide races) win. Especially in critical and winnable swing States like WI, MI, MN, PA, FL, and AZ (non-exclusive list).

2) The VP should be a person with a demonstrated ability to help move legislation through Congress, especially if there is a (god forbid) GOP majority in the Senate.

3) The person should be a true partner to the president. Someone he can trust without reservation.

I've said it before, but I think Joe Biden has a model for an ideal set of characteristics he has for a VP that's based on what he brought to the Obama/Biden team.

In my estimation, Kamala Harris doesn't meet any of these criteria.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(144,005 posts)
33. Joe appears to be open to considering Harris
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 04:30 PM
Dec 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

honest.abe

(8,556 posts)
34. Good on Joe!
Wed Dec 4, 2019, 04:53 PM
Dec 2019

Kamala for VP!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
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