Joe's VP Selection:
Although only VP has affected the outcome of a Presidential race so far -- and that one is debatable (LBJ in 1960), I think that it is possible for a VP selection to change the way voters view the candidate and thus could have an effect on the election. Especially in this election where it is patently obvious that Joe doesn't have it anymore (if he ever did) and certainly can't go the 4 year distance, given his obvious mental decline in the preceding 4 years.
He's limited his choice to a minority woman, he says, and since Elizabeth Warren is being vetted, I guess he believes the Indian story. But I digress. Here is how I see the potential candidates:
1. Susan Rice. The one the Obama want. She'd be doing Obama's bidding. Plus she's Establishment all the way. Her baggage: the 4 talk shows of lies in one day, so bad that Obama had to renege on appointing her SOS. She's never held elective office -- and it shows. Finally, the reason they are holding back is because they are waiting to see what Durham has, and when it will surface, to see what a liability she would be. I don't for a minute believe the WaPo's statement that they are putting her name out there to vet her for a higher Cabinet position. That's BS. She's already at that level for them.
She's the Obama plant and the only question is what will Durham produce.
2. Kamala Harris -- Joe hates her, with reason. But more importantly to his handlers, she's a prosecutor and a tough one and in the days of BLM, that's a nonstarter. She's not going to excite the African American base to turn out for her. I think Kamala, although on paper the best of the group, is not it.
3. Karen Bass -- Leaving aside the issue of House members (and Mayors) being second tier for VP selections, I found it interesting that this woman vaulted to the top tier of speculation this week. And then the revelations about her compliments to Scientology and her trips to Cuba in the 70s and her lauding of Castro. A recent lauding. Plus the hints of a Commie background. Yeah, progressives may excuse her coziness with the Cuban Commies, but voters in South Florida won't. She's toast.
4. Tammy Duckworth -- An intellectual lightweight (none of the above can be accused of that) who opens her mouth before thinking. Like her comments about conservatives and protestors. Anyone who would put this woman second in line to the Presidency does not deserve to be elected President. Joe is smarter. Today, he's smarter.
5. Val Demings and the Mayor of Atlanta -- As I said above, clearly second tier candidates. Run for higher office or get appointed to the Cabinet and then we'll see next time.
6. Stacey Abrams -- I thought she wasn't being considered, then I see stuff where she is being considered. But seriously, folks, if you were Joe, do you think this woman would have your back or would you be afraid to turn around?
7. Hillary Clinton -- Yeah, I know. She's not being considered. BUT, does she have enough juice to force herself on the ticket? After all, it might be the only way she achieves what she has been working for and sacrificing for all her life. Other than that, see above comments on Stacey Abrams. Applies here with spades.
8. Amy Klobhochar -- In a normal world, she'd be the choice. Except for that tiny little problem of Minnesota and being a prosecutor. Disqualified.
9. Mayor Pete -- He's not a woman. But he is a minority, sort of. Has Susan Rice's Establishment credentials without the high level experience. And not only is he not a woman but he had rocky relationships with the minority community as Mayor. But in a normal year, like Amy, might have been a contender.
10. Elizabeth Warren -- The progressives' dream. And may be the default choice if they can't go with Rice. Definite liability, though, policy-wise. Will alienate the Trump Democrats for sure. But who's left?
Be interested in some substantive commentary on my views here.
Although only VP has affected the outcome of a Presidential race so far -- and that one is debatable (LBJ in 1960), I think that it is possible for a VP selection to change the way voters view the candidate and thus could have an effect on the election. Especially in this election where it is patently obvious that Joe doesn't have it anymore (if he ever did) and certainly can't go the 4 year distance, given his obvious mental decline in the preceding 4 years.
He's limited his choice to a minority woman, he says, and since Elizabeth Warren is being vetted, I guess he believes the Indian story. But I digress. Here is how I see the potential candidates:
1. Susan Rice. The one the Obama want. She'd be doing Obama's bidding. Plus she's Establishment all the way. Her baggage: the 4 talk shows of lies in one day, so bad that Obama had to renege on appointing her SOS. She's never held elective office -- and it shows. Finally, the reason they are holding back is because they are waiting to see what Durham has, and when it will surface, to see what a liability she would be. I don't for a minute believe the WaPo's statement that they are putting her name out there to vet her for a higher Cabinet position. That's BS. She's already at that level for them.
She's the Obama plant and the only question is what will Durham produce.
2. Kamala Harris -- Joe hates her, with reason. But more importantly to his handlers, she's a prosecutor and a tough one and in the days of BLM, that's a nonstarter. She's not going to excite the African American base to turn out for her. I think Kamala, although on paper the best of the group, is not it.
3. Karen Bass -- Leaving aside the issue of House members (and Mayors) being second tier for VP selections, I found it interesting that this woman vaulted to the top tier of speculation this week. And then the revelations about her compliments to Scientology and her trips to Cuba in the 70s and her lauding of Castro. A recent lauding. Plus the hints of a Commie background. Yeah, progressives may excuse her coziness with the Cuban Commies, but voters in South Florida won't. She's toast.
4. Tammy Duckworth -- An intellectual lightweight (none of the above can be accused of that) who opens her mouth before thinking. Like her comments about conservatives and protestors. Anyone who would put this woman second in line to the Presidency does not deserve to be elected President. Joe is smarter. Today, he's smarter.
5. Val Demings and the Mayor of Atlanta -- As I said above, clearly second tier candidates. Run for higher office or get appointed to the Cabinet and then we'll see next time.
6. Stacey Abrams -- I thought she wasn't being considered, then I see stuff where she is being considered. But seriously, folks, if you were Joe, do you think this woman would have your back or would you be afraid to turn around?
7. Hillary Clinton -- Yeah, I know. She's not being considered. BUT, does she have enough juice to force herself on the ticket? After all, it might be the only way she achieves what she has been working for and sacrificing for all her life. Other than that, see above comments on Stacey Abrams. Applies here with spades.
8. Amy Klobhochar -- In a normal world, she'd be the choice. Except for that tiny little problem of Minnesota and being a prosecutor. Disqualified.
9. Mayor Pete -- He's not a woman. But he is a minority, sort of. Has Susan Rice's Establishment credentials without the high level experience. And not only is he not a woman but he had rocky relationships with the minority community as Mayor. But in a normal year, like Amy, might have been a contender.
10. Elizabeth Warren -- The progressives' dream. And may be the default choice if they can't go with Rice. Definite liability, though, policy-wise. Will alienate the Trump Democrats for sure. But who's left?
Be interested in some substantive commentary on my views here.
