Biden's VP?

[Anonymous]

Susan Rice had quite a privileged childhood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Susan Rice had quite a privileged childhood.

So did Trump

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Susan Rice had quite a privileged childhood.

So? She also ran with it and became Valedictorian and a Rhodes scholar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^ but I can get on board with a Whitmer because she’s an effective governor and has broad appeal. I concede my top governing picks all have electability problems she may not have. I hope the fact she seems to be a strong ally to Black communities would help offset disappointment, but I’m not sure.

Whitmer seems good, a little green in terms of national politics but would work well with the Governors for the WH. Do worry how she'd fare in the vipers pit that is DC with no experience there.

The Maxine Waters "Biden can't go home without there being a Black woman VP" remarks did concern me. What if the Congressional Black Caucus doesn't put their muscle into Black turnout? If Black turnout had been at its previously high levels for HRC, she'd be president now. It's not even a matter of taking offense necessarily, but of enthusiasm that translates into turnout. Representation matters. Tim Kaine was great, highly credentialed, but did not inspire enthusiasm and I'm concerned Whitmer would be similar. He didn't inspire strong feelings either way and neither does she. Last poll I saw had Biden's national lead at 3 points. 3 points, with this president?? The fact he is not ahead by 20+ points is concerning, and it's because of lack of enthusiasm. I understand the concerns about Rice but she's sharp and brilliant. Once voters get to know her, I think they'll like her, and no prospect is better qualified to step into the White House from day 1. Bass is also very likable, would be an outstanding partner for the WH working with the Hill, and would guarantee Black turnout like no other (CBC backing plus progressives). Not a Harris fan, but she is charismatic and for that reason could potentially also help with turnout. So I don't dislike Whitmer, but would prefer any of these three, or Duckworth with her unique military credentials that maker her harder to attack.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^ but I can get on board with a Whitmer because she’s an effective governor and has broad appeal. I concede my top governing picks all have electability problems she may not have. I hope the fact she seems to be a strong ally to Black communities would help offset disappointment, but I’m not sure.

Whitmer seems good, a little green in terms of national politics but would work well with the Governors for the WH. Do worry how she'd fare in the vipers pit that is DC with no experience there.

The Maxine Waters "Biden can't go home without there being a Black woman VP" remarks did concern me. What if the Congressional Black Caucus doesn't put their muscle into Black turnout? If Black turnout had been at its previously high levels for HRC, she'd be president now. It's not even a matter of taking offense necessarily, but of enthusiasm that translates into turnout. Representation matters. Tim Kaine was great, highly credentialed, but did not inspire enthusiasm and I'm concerned Whitmer would be similar. He didn't inspire strong feelings either way and neither does she. Last poll I saw had Biden's national lead at 3 points. 3 points, with this president?? The fact he is not ahead by 20+ points is concerning, and it's because of lack of enthusiasm. I understand the concerns about Rice but she's sharp and brilliant. Once voters get to know her, I think they'll like her, and no prospect is better qualified to step into the White House from day 1. Bass is also very likable, would be an outstanding partner for the WH working with the Hill, and would guarantee Black turnout like no other (CBC backing plus progressives). Not a Harris fan, but she is charismatic and for that reason could potentially also help with turnout. So I don't dislike Whitmer, but would prefer any of these three, or Duckworth with her unique military credentials that maker her harder to attack.

The CBC has a poor track record supporting AA candidates. They aren’t insisting Biden pick a POC, either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^ but I can get on board with a Whitmer because she’s an effective governor and has broad appeal. I concede my top governing picks all have electability problems she may not have. I hope the fact she seems to be a strong ally to Black communities would help offset disappointment, but I’m not sure.

Whitmer seems good, a little green in terms of national politics but would work well with the Governors for the WH. Do worry how she'd fare in the vipers pit that is DC with no experience there.

The Maxine Waters "Biden can't go home without there being a Black woman VP" remarks did concern me. What if the Congressional Black Caucus doesn't put their muscle into Black turnout? If Black turnout had been at its previously high levels for HRC, she'd be president now. It's not even a matter of taking offense necessarily, but of enthusiasm that translates into turnout. Representation matters. Tim Kaine was great, highly credentialed, but did not inspire enthusiasm and I'm concerned Whitmer would be similar. He didn't inspire strong feelings either way and neither does she. Last poll I saw had Biden's national lead at 3 points. 3 points, with this president?? The fact he is not ahead by 20+ points is concerning, and it's because of lack of enthusiasm. I understand the concerns about Rice but she's sharp and brilliant. Once voters get to know her, I think they'll like her, and no prospect is better qualified to step into the White House from day 1. Bass is also very likable, would be an outstanding partner for the WH working with the Hill, and would guarantee Black turnout like no other (CBC backing plus progressives). Not a Harris fan, but she is charismatic and for that reason could potentially also help with turnout. So I don't dislike Whitmer, but would prefer any of these three, or Duckworth with her unique military credentials that maker her harder to attack.

The CBC has a poor track record supporting AA candidates. They aren’t insisting Biden pick a POC, either.

They can't paint themselves or Biden into a corner by insisting, but Clyburn and Richmond are pushing hard for Bass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^ but I can get on board with a Whitmer because she’s an effective governor and has broad appeal. I concede my top governing picks all have electability problems she may not have. I hope the fact she seems to be a strong ally to Black communities would help offset disappointment, but I’m not sure.

Whitmer seems good, a little green in terms of national politics but would work well with the Governors for the WH. Do worry how she'd fare in the vipers pit that is DC with no experience there.

The Maxine Waters "Biden can't go home without there being a Black woman VP" remarks did concern me. What if the Congressional Black Caucus doesn't put their muscle into Black turnout? If Black turnout had been at its previously high levels for HRC, she'd be president now. It's not even a matter of taking offense necessarily, but of enthusiasm that translates into turnout. Representation matters. Tim Kaine was great, highly credentialed, but did not inspire enthusiasm and I'm concerned Whitmer would be similar. He didn't inspire strong feelings either way and neither does she. Last poll I saw had Biden's national lead at 3 points. 3 points, with this president?? The fact he is not ahead by 20+ points is concerning, and it's because of lack of enthusiasm. I understand the concerns about Rice but she's sharp and brilliant. Once voters get to know her, I think they'll like her, and no prospect is better qualified to step into the White House from day 1. Bass is also very likable, would be an outstanding partner for the WH working with the Hill, and would guarantee Black turnout like no other (CBC backing plus progressives). Not a Harris fan, but she is charismatic and for that reason could potentially also help with turnout. So I don't dislike Whitmer, but would prefer any of these three, or Duckworth with her unique military credentials that maker her harder to attack.

Really well put. There is no compelling reason to pick Whitmer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^ but I can get on board with a Whitmer because she’s an effective governor and has broad appeal. I concede my top governing picks all have electability problems she may not have. I hope the fact she seems to be a strong ally to Black communities would help offset disappointment, but I’m not sure.

Whitmer seems good, a little green in terms of national politics but would work well with the Governors for the WH. Do worry how she'd fare in the vipers pit that is DC with no experience there.

The Maxine Waters "Biden can't go home without there being a Black woman VP" remarks did concern me. What if the Congressional Black Caucus doesn't put their muscle into Black turnout? If Black turnout had been at its previously high levels for HRC, she'd be president now. It's not even a matter of taking offense necessarily, but of enthusiasm that translates into turnout. Representation matters. Tim Kaine was great, highly credentialed, but did not inspire enthusiasm and I'm concerned Whitmer would be similar. He didn't inspire strong feelings either way and neither does she. Last poll I saw had Biden's national lead at 3 points. 3 points, with this president?? The fact he is not ahead by 20+ points is concerning, and it's because of lack of enthusiasm. I understand the concerns about Rice but she's sharp and brilliant. Once voters get to know her, I think they'll like her, and no prospect is better qualified to step into the White House from day 1. Bass is also very likable, would be an outstanding partner for the WH working with the Hill, and would guarantee Black turnout like no other (CBC backing plus progressives). Not a Harris fan, but she is charismatic and for that reason could potentially also help with turnout. So I don't dislike Whitmer, but would prefer any of these three, or Duckworth with her unique military credentials that maker her harder to attack.

Really well put. There is no compelling reason to pick Whitmer.

The compelling reasons would be "no baggage" and the campaign's internal polling telling them winning isn't possible without a Midwest boost and/or ability to swing systemically racist voters. But I get the PP's point about the enthusiasm issue and also agree that no DC experience would be tough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please just pick Duckworth. She’s no drama and will make all these draft dodgers with their Ivy, SEC, and law degrees look like the soft boys that they are. Trump is the quintessential effeminate man masquerading as an alpha. I want Duckworth to rip the veil off the GOP.

Right, because there are so few “Ivy” elites in the Dem Party who haven’t served.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please just pick Duckworth. She’s no drama and will make all these draft dodgers with their Ivy, SEC, and law degrees look like the soft boys that they are. Trump is the quintessential effeminate man masquerading as an alpha. I want Duckworth to rip the veil off the GOP.

Right, because there are so few “Ivy” elites in the Dem Party who haven’t served.

Yeah, this is an attack that would apply equally well to the Dem elites. But few masquerade militancy as pathetically as Trump.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^ but I can get on board with a Whitmer because she’s an effective governor and has broad appeal. I concede my top governing picks all have electability problems she may not have. I hope the fact she seems to be a strong ally to Black communities would help offset disappointment, but I’m not sure.

Whitmer seems good, a little green in terms of national politics but would work well with the Governors for the WH. Do worry how she'd fare in the vipers pit that is DC with no experience there.

The Maxine Waters "Biden can't go home without there being a Black woman VP" remarks did concern me. What if the Congressional Black Caucus doesn't put their muscle into Black turnout? If Black turnout had been at its previously high levels for HRC, she'd be president now. It's not even a matter of taking offense necessarily, but of enthusiasm that translates into turnout. Representation matters. Tim Kaine was great, highly credentialed, but did not inspire enthusiasm and I'm concerned Whitmer would be similar. He didn't inspire strong feelings either way and neither does she. Last poll I saw had Biden's national lead at 3 points. 3 points, with this president?? The fact he is not ahead by 20+ points is concerning, and it's because of lack of enthusiasm. I understand the concerns about Rice but she's sharp and brilliant. Once voters get to know her, I think they'll like her, and no prospect is better qualified to step into the White House from day 1. Bass is also very likable, would be an outstanding partner for the WH working with the Hill, and would guarantee Black turnout like no other (CBC backing plus progressives). Not a Harris fan, but she is charismatic and for that reason could potentially also help with turnout. So I don't dislike Whitmer, but would prefer any of these three, or Duckworth with her unique military credentials that maker her harder to attack.

The CBC has a poor track record supporting AA candidates. They aren’t insisting Biden pick a POC, either.

They can't paint themselves or Biden into a corner by insisting, but Clyburn and Richmond are pushing hard for Bass.

Clyburn isn’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^ but I can get on board with a Whitmer because she’s an effective governor and has broad appeal. I concede my top governing picks all have electability problems she may not have. I hope the fact she seems to be a strong ally to Black communities would help offset disappointment, but I’m not sure.

Whitmer seems good, a little green in terms of national politics but would work well with the Governors for the WH. Do worry how she'd fare in the vipers pit that is DC with no experience there.

The Maxine Waters "Biden can't go home without there being a Black woman VP" remarks did concern me. What if the Congressional Black Caucus doesn't put their muscle into Black turnout? If Black turnout had been at its previously high levels for HRC, she'd be president now. It's not even a matter of taking offense necessarily, but of enthusiasm that translates into turnout. Representation matters. Tim Kaine was great, highly credentialed, but did not inspire enthusiasm and I'm concerned Whitmer would be similar. He didn't inspire strong feelings either way and neither does she. Last poll I saw had Biden's national lead at 3 points. 3 points, with this president?? The fact he is not ahead by 20+ points is concerning, and it's because of lack of enthusiasm. I understand the concerns about Rice but she's sharp and brilliant. Once voters get to know her, I think they'll like her, and no prospect is better qualified to step into the White House from day 1. Bass is also very likable, would be an outstanding partner for the WH working with the Hill, and would guarantee Black turnout like no other (CBC backing plus progressives). Not a Harris fan, but she is charismatic and for that reason could potentially also help with turnout. So I don't dislike Whitmer, but would prefer any of these three, or Duckworth with her unique military credentials that maker her harder to attack.

The CBC has a poor track record supporting AA candidates. They aren’t insisting Biden pick a POC, either.

They can't paint themselves or Biden into a corner by insisting, but Clyburn and Richmond are pushing hard for Bass.

Clyburn isn’t.

From 8/1 CNN article:
"The recent emergence of Karen Bass would be a nod to the party's legislative power brokers, including Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, all of whom are championing her candidacy. As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Bass could count on the help of incumbent lawmakers representing Black communities, where turnout needs to be high in November."

Another recent article:
"One of Bass’ biggest strengths remains her support from influential House members. Rep. Jim Clyburn, who endorsed Biden ahead of his South Carolina primary victory, has become her “biggest advocate,” according to a House Democratic member familiar with internal conversations, though he stresses he’ll respect whatever decision Biden makes.

“He has just said she would have the unified support of the Congressional Black Caucus and be able to organize the most to get the highest black turnout,” this Democrat said, who was granted anonymity to discuss private conversations.

A Clyburn spokesperson said the congressman isn’t pushing any one candidate.

Rep. Cedric Richmond, a co-chair of Biden’s campaign, has also been an important voice for Bass. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “has made key calls,” according to the Democrat, and fellow California Rep. Barbara Lee has offered her support.

Rep. Judy Chu, who represents part of Los Angeles County, is another Bass supporter who said her ability to work with people explains why she’s earned so much congressional support. When asked about Harris, Chu said she would be “fine,” but argued that Bass has been on the front lines of grassroots causes."

[Anonymous]

Right, Clyburn isn’t supporting any one candidate. Judy Chu is Asian American.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Right, Clyburn isn’t supporting any one candidate. Judy Chu is Asian American.

Haven't heard that name in the mix. That could be interesting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Right, Clyburn isn’t supporting any one candidate. Judy Chu is Asian American.

Publicly he isn't supporting any one candidate, privately these the two articles indicate it's a different story. And who cares about Judy Chu's ethnicity? The people championing Bass stress legislative chops, coalition support, trustworthiness, and Black turnout.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/07/over-300-dnc-delegates-members-urge-biden-to-pick-bass-for-vp-392553