Here’s the thing about Joe Biden’s running mate
The media is at it again, talking about how Joe Biden has “disappeared.” News flash: They’ve all disappeared from holding campaign rallies. Introducing the new Captain Obvious, the media. Contrary to what the media is feeding us, Biden is plugging right along. He’s holding online press briefings, town halls, happy hours, and podcasts. The latest podcast included Michigan governor, Gretchen Whitmer, fueling rumors that Whitmer will be Biden’s choice as vice president. She might be a great choice, but there are some things to consider.
Many of Biden’s allies, donors, and advisors are on board. According to the Hill, they like her “combative approach to President Trump” yet she remains calm, decisive and forceful, all things Trump will never be no matter how hard he tries. Biden’s team also likes Whitmer because Democrats lost Michigan to Trump last time around, and they see her as helping to win the people of Michigan over for the Democrats. Some obstacles do exist that might prevent this from happening.
Other experienced, appealing candidates are on Biden’s short list. Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, and Amy Klobuchar also make great potential running mates for Biden. House Majority Whip James Clyburn, who helped Biden turn his campaign around in South Carolina, wants to see a woman of color on the ticket, as do many of Black voters who helped to propel Biden to his current position. Democratic strategist Joel Payne agrees with Clyburn. “Any conversation about the Democratic vice presidency that does not start with a woman of color feels like a fool’s errand.” Black voters aside, Whitmer might not be able to abandon her governorship in Michigan to run with Biden, as her leadership is needed in Michigan to continue her fight against coronavirus for the people of her state.
Whether or not Biden chooses Whitmer, he chose her to appear as a guest on his new podcast “Here’s the Deal.” This is still a savvy choice for Biden, as Whitmer is wildly popular right now. “Here’s the Deal” is Biden’s latest effort to reach voters virtually. Biden plans to fill the podcast with experts who can help us to navigate the coronavirus, including his former chief of staff, Ron Klain, who led the Obama administration during the Ebola virus. Klain will tell viewers how Trump should be handling the pandemic instead of the way in which he is currently bungling the response according to Daily Beast.
Joe Biden is doing everything possible to remind people that he is indeed still running for president. His efforts are working. He now leads Trump by six points in Florida, based on a new poll from the University of North Florida. While Michael Binder, Director of UNF’s Public Opinion Research Lab, said that we should “exercise caution” when looking at this and other polls, the outcome of the presidential race is up to us. We must keep going despite coronavirus. This election will happen, and we must defy the obstacles to ensure new, better leadership. Four more years of “president” Donald Trump is not an option. We are in a fight for our very lives; failure is not an option.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years