Biden unsuccessfully tried to get the Dem nomination in 1988 and 2008. Arguably he was picked by Obama because he was a white man, not the most exceptional political candidate. Then he was VP. Then ran successfully for the presidency. He did not rise organically by any means. Harris was one of two senators from our largest state - a pret…
Biden unsuccessfully tried to get the Dem nomination in 1988 and 2008. Arguably he was picked by Obama because he was a white man, not the most exceptional political candidate. Then he was VP. Then ran successfully for the presidency. He did not rise organically by any means. Harris was one of two senators from our largest state - a pretty hard office to win. She basically had a lot quicker, but the same trajectory and a much harder one than Joe Biden. But you've reduced her to a DEI hire that wasn't good enough.
I agree with you on this, CL. She wasn’t perfect but she was a well qualified candidate. Would the primary process have picked her? I have no idea but she would’ve been competitive.
Yes Biden was picked for VP in part because he was white and old, but also because he had a long voting record that was moderate (and today would be rather conservative) -- milquetoast fit the bill to balance the ticket. This works for Obama's VP, but is not a clear blueprint for presidential candidate material (and Biden almost didn't even get his nomination, as it was given at the last moment effectively by the nod from Jim Clyburn of SC).
Harris rose in California among battle with other progressives, not in truly competing with moderates. If the electorate was over 50% progressives, Harris would be the perfect candidate, but it is not. Being from Bay Area California could soften the edges of a Republican candidate for president to their benefit, but it has the opposite effect on a Democrat candidate with regard to mass appeal.
Full primary processes should be held by any party as a best practice rather than just anointing its VP as The Candidate.
It was July when Biden stepped down! And the only way to use his campaign money was because it was Harris’ too. Plus she had the name recognition. Best practices…sheesh.
Biden unsuccessfully tried to get the Dem nomination in 1988 and 2008. Arguably he was picked by Obama because he was a white man, not the most exceptional political candidate. Then he was VP. Then ran successfully for the presidency. He did not rise organically by any means. Harris was one of two senators from our largest state - a pretty hard office to win. She basically had a lot quicker, but the same trajectory and a much harder one than Joe Biden. But you've reduced her to a DEI hire that wasn't good enough.
I agree with you on this, CL. She wasn’t perfect but she was a well qualified candidate. Would the primary process have picked her? I have no idea but she would’ve been competitive.
If anything Biden for VP in 08 was the DEI hire!
Yes Biden was picked for VP in part because he was white and old, but also because he had a long voting record that was moderate (and today would be rather conservative) -- milquetoast fit the bill to balance the ticket. This works for Obama's VP, but is not a clear blueprint for presidential candidate material (and Biden almost didn't even get his nomination, as it was given at the last moment effectively by the nod from Jim Clyburn of SC).
Harris rose in California among battle with other progressives, not in truly competing with moderates. If the electorate was over 50% progressives, Harris would be the perfect candidate, but it is not. Being from Bay Area California could soften the edges of a Republican candidate for president to their benefit, but it has the opposite effect on a Democrat candidate with regard to mass appeal.
Full primary processes should be held by any party as a best practice rather than just anointing its VP as The Candidate.
It was July when Biden stepped down! And the only way to use his campaign money was because it was Harris’ too. Plus she had the name recognition. Best practices…sheesh.