2020 Presidential Election: Who will be Joe Biden’s running mate?

It’s Friday and some of the other threads have run their course.

Who will Joe pick? Why or why not another? Some VPs matter more others. This go around I think it’s bigger than normal.

Supposedly next week...from the interwebs...

The fact that Biden is only considering women candidates for his running mate says more about where the Democratic Party is than it does about Biden’s personal convictions, Devine and Kopko said. “Up to this point it’s seen as picking a woman would be a bold move, an unconventional move, a strong signal,” said Devine. “At this point, I think the script is flipped somewhat, and it would be a slight to have an all-male ticket.” The real question now is whether Biden will pick a woman of color like Harris, Rice, Reps. Karen Bass and Val Demings, or Stacey Abrams; a progressive like Sen. Elizabeth Warren; or a figure from the Midwest like Sen. Tammy Baldwin or Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Bass, Harris, Rice, Warren and Whitmer seem to be leading the pack. The real question seems to be which VP candidate has enough draw to help Biden take out Trump and Pence, as that candidate is most likely a presidential contender as well, when Biden either completes his term(s) or travels to the next world.

Mitt Romney, let us unite Dem-Americans and Rep-Americans.

Tammy Duckworth should get it just for coining the best insult name "Cadet Bonespurs."
She could probably deal with any of the crap coming, including the inevitable from him, "I like helicopter pilots who don't get their legs blown off, okay."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scott G.

Mitt Romney, let us unite Dem-Americans and Rep-Americans.

---

Joe should reach across the aisle when he forms a cabinet. Maybe give Romney the Treasury or State. But the Veep should be a Dem. I'm glad it will be a woman and hope she is one of color. Stacey Abrams would be a good pick, if only to drive the MAGAmuffins crazy.

Duckworth but she's from Illinois. He will pick a VP from California, Harris or Bass. Between those two, I'd rather see Bass. Harris ran a poor campaign, didn't inspire anyone. Biden can do that on his own.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bigbill

He will pick a VP from California

---

Why CA? It certainly wouldn't be as a tactical move, since they don't need that to get the CA Electoral College votes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mabouya

Why CA? It certainly wouldn't be as a tactical move, since they don't need that to get the CA Electoral College votes.

---

Biden is from Delaware, picking a VP candidate from the West Coast would broaden his appeal. I'd rather see Duckworth, but I'm betting on California.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scott G.

Mitt Romney, let us unite Dem-Americans and Rep-Americans.

---

Not in a million years. Biden needs progressives to show up, and that doesn't happen with Romney. And there's not enough disaffected "good" Republicans who will vote for a Biden/Romney ticket.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mabouya

Why CA? It certainly wouldn't be as a tactical move, since they don't need that to get the CA Electoral College votes.

---

Bass doesn't have grander designs if Biden is a one-term President from the jump, and doesn't stand in the way of whoever in the party wants to come behind for 2024. She's well liked and respected, and checks the box of Biden saying he'd get a woman VP nominee.

Harris would be more setting her up for a 2024 run when Joe steps aside. She didn't do well in the primary until she handed Biden's ass to him in a hat, but it was too little, too late. She would destroy Pence in a debate.

The regionality of candidates matters way less than it used to in this polarized era. Conventional thinking would mean someone from the Midwest, but in this climate I doubt it wins you many votes in a critical state.

The way I see it, any VP choice needs to fulfill three different roles:

1) Help Biden win in 2020
2) Be visibly competent, while not making significant waves from 2020-2024
3) Assuming Biden doesn't go for a second term, be sufficiently inspiring to win in 2024

Waaaaay back I was hoping for Stacey A. I'm going with Duckworth. She is formidable.

Outside shot is a Val Demmings because winning FL would be a slam dunk and she has some stones. Say what you may she is damn good.

I'm going with Susan Rice. Duckworth 2nd.

Harris would be a disappointing pick, and I don't see her securing votes that he doesn't already have. He needs to win moderates and disappointed republicans.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Will Neide

I'm going with Susan Rice. Duckworth 2nd.

Harris would be a disappointing pick, and I don't see her securing votes that he doesn't already have. He needs to win moderates and disappointed republicans.

---

Dang I really did not want to comment on this. Susan Rice brings incredible skills and would hit the ground running....and the opposition would chant lock her up. I deeply regret this.

Though I live in IA presently I was born and raised in IL and former U.S. Army Lieutenant Col. Tammy Duckworth has stones, she is more than willing to stand up to whatever the Republicans throw her way. I've been a fan of hers for a while, but the comment about her legs are made from Titanium They Don't Buckle, sealed the deal for me.

My heart says Warren, my brain either Bass or Rice.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by davids

My heart says Warren, my brain either Bass or Rice.

---

Polling among young voters in particular who backed Sanders would agree.

I'm pretty sure the next President is President Pelosi since the post election clusterbomb of litigation will happen.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vertical_doug

I'm pretty sure the next President is President Pelosi since the post election clusterbomb of litigation will happen.

---

Bottle of Proseco says you are wrong. There will be a President selected in a timely manner.

Fun's fun.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Too Tall

Bottle of Proseco says you are wrong. There will be a President selected in a timely manner.

Fun's fun.

---

Trump Winery - BdB Magnum Signature Series

how about a big bottle of real rot gut?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vertical_doug

I'm pretty sure the next President is President Pelosi since the post election clusterbomb of litigation will happen.

---

President Pelosi and VP Morgan Freeman,
he has been President of the US in many crises.

I don't think it is that crazy for Pelosi. Trump's current term expires January 20, 2021. If the election is contested and tied up in the courts, neither Trump and Pence are no longer in office. According to the Constitution, the House Speaker then assumes the duty of President until the impasse is resolved.

Am I wrong here?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vertical_doug

According to the Constitution, the House Speaker then assumes the duty of President until the impasse is resolved.

---

I assume she'll then be able to call out the Storm Troopers into the streets wherever and whenever she likes, and based on the most recent precedent, I would not expect the GOP and their amen corner on FAUX to object in the least.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vertical_doug

I don't think it is that crazy for Pelosi. Trump's current term expires January 20, 2021. If the election is contested and tied up in the courts, neither Trump and Pence are no longer in office. According to the Constitution, the House Speaker then assumes the duty of President until the impasse is resolved.

Am I wrong here?

---

Politico had a speculative piece about this. Their answer was a Senate election of the Pro Tem, and given the seat distribution up in this 2020 cycle, Democrats have a de facto majority if none of the Senate seats are filled. So they could in theory elect whoever they wanted. Devolves into political alt-futurist fan fiction rather quickly, but it is an interesting thought exercise on how much of our democracy the last two centuries has relied on tradition than much that's codified.

Postpone the Election? That Could Mean President Biden - POLITICO

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vertical_doug

Trump Winery - BdB Magnum Signature Series

how about a big bottle of real rot gut?

---

We deserve better. I'm buying.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vertical_doug

I don't think it is that crazy for Pelosi. Trump's current term expires January 20, 2021. If the election is contested and tied up in the courts, neither Trump and Pence are no longer in office. According to the Constitution, the House Speaker then assumes the duty of President until the impasse is resolved.

Am I wrong here?

---

Almost happened in 1800 when Jefferson (Republican) defeated Adams (Federalist). At the time, the top two candidates were President and Vice President, regardless of party. Jefferson and Burr were tied with the Federalists playing games in the House of Representatives which had to vote for one or the other to be President. To tie up the vote past inauguration day meant that the election would be void and the Speaker would take the Presidency until a new election could be held later in the year. They worked it out, Jefferson won and Burr was the VP. Then Burr and Hamilton.....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HorsCat

Joe should reach across the aisle when he forms a cabinet. Maybe give Romney the Treasury or State. But the Veep should be a Dem. I'm glad it will be a woman and hope she is one of color. Stacey Abrams would be a good pick, if only to drive the MAGAmuffins crazy.

---

Why should you give Romney more opportunities to inflict reckless damage? At least have a real DINO do it

Reagan killed any and all across the aisle. Good riddance. Biden won’t enact left leaning policies, pretending it still exists is stupid imo.

I originally wanted Klobuchar. Thought she would be good with moderates , independents and the midwest. well that ship has sailed.

Right now I think Biden's best choice will be Susan Rice. She's smart , knows foreign policy and Biden already has a working relationship with her.

Demmings looks impressive but I don't think she's ready. Would love to see her move to the Senate. As far as Harris who is on many people's favorite's list she just recently joined the Senate and I did not at all like how she cross examine Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings. She kept suggesting she knew something but when Kavanaugh shrugged she just moved on. A good prosecutor knows the answers before he /she asks the question. It was a Tv moment for her and a bluff. Other times she grandstands and plays games, like when she went after Biden during the debates. Did not feel authentic to me. Stacy Abrams also feels short on experience.

I think Biden will go with someone he feels he will have a good working relationship and I suspect the VP will do a larger than typical amount of the heavy lifting should Biden get elected so ability will be key as well -Mike G

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bigbill

Biden is from Delaware, picking a VP candidate from the West Coast would broaden his appeal. I'd rather see Duckworth, but I'm betting on California.

---

Biden has California anyway. That logic fails in my opinion.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fastupslowdown

I originally wanted Klobuchar. Thought she would be good with moderates , independents and the midwest. well that ship has sailed.

Right now I think Biden's best choice will be Susan Rice. She's smart , knows foreign policy and Biden already has a working relationship with her.

Demmings looks impressive but I don't think she's ready. Would love to see her move to the Senate. As far as Harris who is on many people's favorite's list she just recently joined the Senate and I did not at all like how she cross examine Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings. She kept suggesting she knew something but when Kavanaugh shrugged she just moved on. A good prosecutor knows the answers before he /she asks the question. It was a Tv moment for her and a bluff. Other times she grandstands and plays games, like when she went after Biden during the debates. Did not feel authentic to me. Stacy Abrams also feels short on experience.

I think Biden will go with someone he feels he will have a good working relationship and I suspect the VP will do a larger than typical amount of the heavy lifting should Biden get elected so ability will be key as well -Mike G

---

I think Susan Rice is campaigning incredibly hard for the job but she brings a lot of Clinton baggage with her as well as her own. I just think between Rwanda genocide, Libya (Benghazi) and the fact her son is a raging Trump supporter of the young republicans at Stanford, she brings too many potential embarrassments. I'm not sure if Harris's time as California AG helps or hurts her although guaranteed the GOP attacks the old stuff with Willie Brown.

The Rush Limbaugh's of the world are cruel and Biden's camp is trying to war game out who is more defendable and less a liability. I think they turn Susan Rice into Hillary 2 and it is a no go zone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vertical_doug

I think Susan Rice is campaigning incredibly hard for the job but she brings a lot of Clinton baggage with her as well as her own. I just think between Rwanda genocide, Libya (Benghazi) and the fact her son is a raging Trump supporter of the young republicans at Stanford, she brings too many potential embarrassments. I'm not sure if Harris's time as California AG helps or hurts her although guaranteed the GOP attacks the old stuff with Willie Brown.

The Rush Limbaugh's of the world are cruel and Biden's camp is trying to war game out who is more defendable and less a liability. I think they turn Susan Rice into Hillary 2 and it is a no go zone.

---

I think this is accurate.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vertical_doug

I think Susan Rice is campaigning incredibly hard for the job but she brings a lot of Clinton baggage with her as well as her own. I just think between Rwanda genocide, Libya (Benghazi) and the fact her son is a raging Trump supporter of the young republicans at Stanford, she brings too many potential embarrassments. I'm not sure if Harris's time as California AG helps or hurts her although guaranteed the GOP attacks the old stuff with Willie Brown.

The Rush Limbaugh's of the world are cruel and Biden's camp is trying to war game out who is more defendable and less a liability. I think they turn Susan Rice into Hillary 2 and it is a no go zone.

---

Everyone has baggage if they did something. The only way not to is to be the new kid on the block without an actual resume. Trump defenders will try anything of course but I doubt it will resonate. Rwanda is just not a top 10 issue in America these days. Everyone regrets their lack of action on the topic. Trump did well in 2016 because he had no political resume to attack him on . That's different too now.

I hate reality TV.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Too Tall

I hate reality TV.

---

Paddy Chayefsky wrote in "Network" in 1976, for our Bicentennial.

And when the twelfth largest company in the world controls the most awesome goddamn propaganda force in the whole godless world, who knows what shit will be peddled for truth on this network?! So, you listen to me. Listen to me! Television is not the truth. Television's a goddamned amusement park! Television is a circus, a carnival, a traveling troupe of acrobats, storytellers, dancers, singers, jugglers, sideshow freaks, lion tamers, and football players. We're in the boredom-killing business! So if you want the truth, go to God! Go to your gurus! Go to yourselves! Because that's the only place you're ever gonna find any real truth! But man, you're never gonna get any truth from us. We'll tell you anything you wanna hear. We lie like hell.

Very prescient. Nationwide cable TV news channels of all sorts are essentially unwatchable. OTA networks are only slightly less unwatchable and local news is largely entertainment. But cable news is the worst. Junk food for the mind.

Back on topic I’m thinking Senator Harris or Governor Whitmer are very likely. Both have electoral experience, which I think is important.

Interesting times, for sure.

FWIW, I just sent in my mailer to receive my ballot in the mail and vote by mail in Illinois. If I can vote without going to the polls I will.

TV Live | NHK WORLD-JAPAN Live & Programs

Top of the hour for 10 minutes.

You may find Japanese reporting on US Politics most interesting. At least its impartial and factual

I heard Stacey Abrams on NPR, the Commonwealth Club. She made a hell of a case for herself in a matter of minutes, and would mop the floor with whoever was on the debate stage.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theflashunc

[Kamala Harris] would destroy Pence in a debate.

---

I'm not gonna lie: That sentence gave me a boner.

Joe, even though sleepy and demented, can ride a bike.

Joe Biden's Fox-Trolling Mask Bike Ride Sets Twitter Ablaze

Two Bit Goya Bean Pimp can't even drink a glass of water with one hand.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sbti

Joe, even though sleepy and demented, can ride a bike.

Joe Biden's Fox-Trolling Mask Bike Ride Sets Twitter Ablaze

Two Bit Goya Bean Pimp can't even drink a glass of water with one hand.

---

Cool. We should only elect Presidents who ride bikes.

Bub, point of order. We kinda sorta keep the trash talk to the political thread more or less sometimes maybe.

Kamala Harris. Thoughts?