Joe Biden is expected to announce his running mate this week. Reportedly, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Susan Rice, national security advisor to President Obama, are the top contenders. Either would make history as the first Black woman to be a vice-presidential candidate for a major party.
Biden is reportedly also considering Rep. Karen Bass of California, Rep. Val Demings of Florida, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois.
Four factors seem to be at work:
- Age: Biden would be the oldest president ever elected if he wins in November, so some want him to choose a running mate who is younger and can be the future of the party.
- Balance: some perceive Biden to be too moderate for the progressive wing of the party and want him to select a nominee that will excite these voters.
- Demographics: some want him to select a Black candidate to gain support among Black voters.
- Politics: as one politics professor notes, “the vice-presidential candidate can help a little or hurt a lot.” He would advise candidates, “Above all, do no harm.”
My purpose this morning is not to help Mr. Biden make his decision, but rather to discuss our reaction once he makes it.
Where are you on this spectrum?
You are likely approaching the upcoming election in one of eight ways on a political spectrum from “right” to “left.”
- You believe Joe Biden is wrong for America and will vote for his opponent.
- You believe Donald Trump is right for America and will vote for him.
- You believe Republican policies—such as the party’s positions on abortion and religious liberty—are right and will therefore vote for Donald Trump despite personal misgivings about him.
- You support Republican policies but believe Donald Trump is…
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