General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums2 longshots rise in Biden VP search
PoliticoBoth have been tapped by the Biden campaign to act as leading surrogates amid the unrest and have seen their national media exposure intensify.
Bottoms is being vetted as a Biden running mate, two sources with knowledge of the discussions confirm to POLITICO. Demings, a former Orlando police chief, has previously confirmed shes being vetted.
The Biden campaign, which has grappled with the question of whether to focus on race or region in choosing a vice presidential candidate, caution that the search is still fluid.
Borchkins
(724 posts)LisaL
(44,986 posts)I guess we might have to get used to the sound of it.
Happy Hoosier
(7,495 posts)I mean, I am impressed with her, so maybe I can get past that!
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)Probably more than I should...
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,931 posts)a very unknown person for the VP slot isn't such a good idea? If weeks and weeks need to go into explaining "Vice-President who??" a lot of ground could be lost.
I will add that no matter who Biden selects, no matter how much I personally dislike that choice, the VP selection will not alter my vote. It never does.
tman
(983 posts)It balances out the 'Establishment' tag. People want something young, new and fresh.
The old rules have changed.
Polybius
(15,540 posts)Pence wasn't too well-known but he was a Governor. Jack Kemp maybe, but he had a big following with economic conservatives.
tritsofme
(17,449 posts)Not saying I blame you...
Polybius
(15,540 posts)She was still a governor though. Honestly, I had at least heard of her.
Dem4Life1102
(3,974 posts)As soon as they are named they won't be unknown any more. And a VP doesn't need to be known nationally, but in key swing states. Also, someone who is not widely known may not have a lot of baggage to explain away.
frazzled
(18,402 posts)Optics and attracting votes at the ballot box is one consideration. But there are other, more long-term considerations. And those are (1) the role of the vice president in advising the president on a range of topics, from foreign policy to economic policy to congressional relations; and, (2) heaven forbid it happening, stepping into the presidency should anything happen to the sitting president. This latter is a particular consideration for an older president.
I think both of these smart women are stellar. But I'm not certain that they entirely fit the bill for serving as VP after the election. Their appeal is great, but the breadth of their experience across a range of federal concerns may be at issue when so much reform at the federal level is at stake in the next presidency. (One has been a mayor for two years, the other a representative for three.) Biden will need a co-president. And beyond getting himself elected, he must also be thinking about governing ... for which he will need a strong, experienced partner, and one potentially capable of taking over the reins.
I may be wrong in assessing either of these potential candidates as unready to govern. I especially like Val Demings. In the end, it will be Biden's choice, and I wouldn't be surprised if his choice might be, well, surprising.
dameatball
(7,411 posts)wonder if she has enough experience. We need to be looking beyond 2020 in that regard (assuming Biden doesn't run). The fresh face has some appeal, but not a deciding factor for me. Having said that, if she is chosen she will run rings, around Pence.
obamanut2012
(26,201 posts)It's why I voted for Gwen Graham in the FL Gov. primary. I still think she would make a very good Governor, and she also had name recognition. Gillum probably won, but there would have been zero question of it if he had chosen here for his running mate, instead of someone guy a lot of went CHRIS KING WHO? about, especially since there were several excellent women he could have chosen, and King had never served as a public servant.
lostnfound
(16,203 posts)Inexperienced at the national level but as long as Biden stay healthy for a year, i think either one of them would be excellent and ready to lead.
Shanti Mama
(1,288 posts)And I understand. Biden is not a spring chicken. His VP needs to be 100% ready to take over. I don't think either of these women is, though I admire them both.
2naSalit
(87,012 posts)I'm holding hope for Susan Rice.
Gidney N Cloyd
(19,847 posts)maximusveritas
(2,915 posts)The important thing is someone with experience who can reassure voters. Mayor Bottoms or Stacey Abrams won't do that. Demings doesn't have much experience in politics, but her experience as police chief shows her executive leadership and crime dropped during her time in charge, so that's something to point to when the Republicans try to paint us as soft on crime.
LisaL
(44,986 posts)Gidney N Cloyd
(19,847 posts)jcgoldie
(11,664 posts)That's 14 years younger than Joe Biden.
Gidney N Cloyd
(19,847 posts)jcgoldie
(11,664 posts)I will be very excited if he chooses either of these ladies.
RobinA
(9,915 posts)to Duckworth? While I'm not in favor of Biden picking a woman just to be picking a woman, I thought Duckworth, whom I saw mentioned somewhere, to be one of my favorite picks whether it be man or woman.
CTyankee
(63,932 posts)for persons with disabilities. My niece was disabled years ago and has become a sexuality educator, worked with Planned Parenthood many years and is now an individual trainer in the field. Duckworth would be excellent on so many levels but i don't know if she is interested.
BGBD
(3,282 posts)She was clearly going to become a 🔥 name for VP. I love it.