Biden’s running mate

This is in response to the Hamilton Reader who essentially said that Biden is not seeking the best-qualified VP candidate. On the contrary, Biden’s short list of women candidates are highly qualified and represent the best candidates available. The reader mentions Cory Booker, who is qualified, but he will probably be chosen as a cabinet secretary. Biden’s vow to choose a woman

VP is a well thought out strategy. It will help to increase the women’s vote, and if a Black VP candidate is chosen, it will help to increase the Black vote as well. Kamala Harris, Susan Rice, Elizabeth Warren, Sally Yates, Stacy Adams, et. al., are all highly qualified and have outstanding resumes. With the exception of Elizabeth Warren (71) all potential candidates are young enough to compliment the older Biden and be an important voice for him on challenging issues. And why not a woman VP? Men have screwed up this country for decades, particularly in the last 3 and ½ years, and it is time for a woman in a high profile position to help straighten us out. So choosing a woman for VP makes absolute sense.

—EdV.

I know Ed V. knows this, but also to address the point, seeking a female candidate doesn’t mean they are going to just take anyone with a uterus, it means they are vowing to put in the work needed to make sure they find a qualified candidate who is female. There isn’t just one “most-qualified” candidate for any job, especially not political office. The dozen or so women named in most speculation as possible VP each have a different set of qualifications, all strong in some ways, and weak in others. Biden’s team will have to balance not just who would be good at the job, but also who will help them win.

Also, I don’t know that Cory Booker is a great VP candidate, and I don’t think the original “Hamilton Reader” meant that as a positive choice, but an attempt at making Booke the punchline.

— Ed Note