The Kamala Harris presidential candidacy

[hepcat]

I guess it plays in her favor that she never even showed up for her job as the border czar? Along that same line of thinking the current "secret" darling of the democrats might be a good choice as VP.

You're trying hard, so I kind of feel badly that everyone around you is going "huh? " over that post.

[Skinypupy]

I guess it plays in her favor that she never even showed up for her job as the border czar?

Was wondering how long it would take that one to show up.

Harris was tasked by Biden to head up a "root cause strategy analysis" team:

President Biden, facing a political crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border in the early days of his administration, tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to lead a high-profile response that would bet heavily on improving conditions in three Central American countries.
It was known as the “root causes” strategy. The border, administration officials argued, was only a symptom. If the United States could improve economic, security and political conditions in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, fewer people would risk the perilous journey and much of the problem could be solved, they reasoned.

Turned out to be a bit of a misfire:

Specialists in migration say the administration miscalculated, choosing a narrow and time-consuming strategy that failed to anticipate the shifting nature of migration.

“It was focused on a long-term scenario and it was focused on countries that are no longer the primary sending countries,” said Ariel Ruiz Soto, a senior policy analyst with the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research group.

Now MAGA - because they are very stupid and completely unburdened by facts - has now convinced themselves that Harris was the sole individual who was personally responsible for creating and implementing the Biden administration's entire border strategy. It's all nonsense of course (she essentially led a research task force) but they really really want it to be true so they're just gonna run with it because they know that all their bleating dolts won't ever bother to see if it's actually true or not.

Our resident troll is Exhibit A on why that strategy works so well.

[Exodor]

Now MAGA - because they are very stupid and completely unburdened by facts - has now convinced themselves that Harris was the sole individual who was personally responsible for creating and implementing the Biden administration's entire border strategy. It's all nonsense of course (she essentially led a research task force) but they really really want it to be true so they're just gonna run with it because they know that all their bleating dolts won't ever bother to see if it's actually true or not.

It does give Harris a great opening to talk about how Democrats had a border bill but Republicans killed it because Trump didn't want to "give Democrats a win."

[EvilHomer3k]

The racists and sexists are in the minority - but we need to make sure that they aren’t the majority of the actual voters on election day.

Vote. And tell every decent person you know to vote.

Exactly this. There certainly are some people who have a bias. They may not say anything. They may not even think things. They may not even realize it. But I do worry that some of the voting in some of the swing states has a little bit of a racial bias. As recently as 2022, Wisconsin voted to re-elect Ron Johnson over Mandella Barnes. Barnes was the lieutenant governor of Wisconsin and Ron Johnson is a far right maga republican. Now, this was an off year election and it was close but they narrowly re-elected (Johson won by about 20,000 votes) a known rasict maga trump loving jackass over someone who had the full backing of Tony Evers. Evers won his 2020 re-election 51.15 to 47.75. The next year, Janet Protasiewicz beat Dan Kelly by 11 points despite Kelly being an incumbent. This doesn't mean people didn't vote for Barnes because of his race but it certainly could have been a factor. These were also different years. I was really surprised in 2022 seeing all of the Barnes signs all over but he just didn't get enough votes.

I do have a lot more hope now than I did a week ago. The response to Harris has been nothing short of amazing. Hopefully it gets all those swing state voters who weren't excited about Biden off their ass and to the voting booth.

[LawBeefaroni]

Does anyone remember H Clinton's running mate? Be honest.

I think they'll make a similarly forgettable, vanilla choice here. Not sure that's the best idea.

[LordMortis]

unburdened by facts

But I do worry that some of the voting in some of the swing states has a little bit of a racial bias.

Change than to bigotry, in general, and I used to worry it was some. That changed around 2010 and then was shattered around 2015. It's something that cannot be forgotten and something we need to guard against in every election at every level.

[Scraper]

I guess it plays in her favor that she never even showed up for her job as the border czar? Along that same line of thinking the current "secret" darling of the democrats might be a good choice as VP.

You're trying hard, so I kind of feel badly that everyone around you is going "huh? " over that post.

I'm honestly wondering what "showing up" for her border job actually means to the derps. Is it Harris actually getting a desk and setting it at some random spot on the border and doing paper work all day? Is it her actually going to the border and having a photo op with border agents as they point at things and smile?

[Hamlet3145]

Does anyone remember H Clinton's running mate? Be honest.

I think they'll make a similarly forgettable, vanilla choice here. Not sure that's the best idea.

I kid you not, I just had to pause to look it up.

(Tim Kaine)

[Kraken]

I just read that Kamala Harris will be at a previously scheduled fundraiser in the Berkshires this weekend, along with James Taylor, Yo Yo Ma, and Heather Cox Richardson. Probably at Tanglewood, about 20 miles south of our new house, since both of those musicians are Tanglewood regulars. If we'd closed on schedule I'd be other there this weekend, too. Man, I would love to see HCR and Harris on stage together. That's not likely to happen again.

[Unagi]

I'm thinking Mark Kelly may be a good choice.

White Male - check
Senator - check
Arizona - check
Astronaut > Author

Josh Shapiro seems like a good pick too, but I don't know if now is the time to put a religious conversation on the ticket (looking at you, Michigan).

Mark Kelly (via Giffords) has the added advantage of short-circuiting the conversation on guns and shootings and where they intersect with political figures when they get shot at.


Of course, the fear of plucking a Senator is that we can't afford to lose the Senate.

[Unagi]

I also think the Andy Beshear pick is probably a good/wise one too.
Not like it would turn Kentucky blue, but it would be a move to the middle that may grab voters that are needed.


Kelly and Harris are 'west coast' - and it would probably help to give the rest of America someone to identify with.

[Daehawk]

As I recall this is how we wanted and expected it to be when Biden ran. He would be President then not run a 2nd time and put all his support behind Kamala. I just wish he'd done it sooner.

[Smoove_B]

I just wish he'd done it sooner.

And yet, he might have done the smartest thing ever - waiting until after the RNC nomination and selection of their VP candidate. Biden completely upended the entire RNC plan for the next ~100 days by making the switch now. History might show this was intentional gamble that paid off tremendously.

[Unagi]

I just wish he'd done it sooner.

And yet, he might have done the smartest thing ever - waiting until after the RNC nomination and selection of their VP candidate. Biden completely upended the entire RNC plan for the next ~100 days by making the switch now. History might show this was intentional gamble that paid off tremendously.

Yeah, I was talking to the Mrs the other night about how the Democrats (of course) accidentally stepped into a briliant situation. They could never have planned it, and it was actually a mistake to go about it this way - but - what do ya know!

[Isgrimnur]

[Unagi]

Something this new development has reminded me of...


The difference between hope and dispair is: a viable plan.

[LordMortis]

I just wish he'd done it sooner.

And yet, he might have done the smartest thing ever - waiting until after the RNC nomination and selection of their VP candidate. Biden completely upended the entire RNC plan for the next ~100 days by making the switch now. History might show this was intentional gamble that paid off tremendously.

One would like to think this is a Harris Biden 3D chess planned move. Maybe we can ascribe it to them the way TFGs sociopathic megalomania and his cult playing in to is is ascribed that way.

[raydude]

I'm thinking Mark Kelly may be a good choice.

White Male - check
Senator - check
Arizona - check
Astronaut > Author

Josh Shapiro seems like a good pick too, but I don't know if now is the time to put a religious conversation on the ticket (looking at you, Michigan).

Mark Kelly (via Giffords) has the added advantage of short-circuiting the conversation on guns and shootings and where they intersect with political figures when they get shot at.


Of course, the fear of plucking a Senator is that we can't afford to lose the Senate.

Yeah, he's valuable as a Senator. Probably too valuable to pick him as VP. Which is a shame because he can also counter JD Vance's "combat journalist" stint with "Navy Combat Pilot".

[Unagi]

I just wish he'd done it sooner.

And yet, he might have done the smartest thing ever - waiting until after the RNC nomination and selection of their VP candidate. Biden completely upended the entire RNC plan for the next ~100 days by making the switch now. History might show this was intentional gamble that paid off tremendously.

One would like to think this is a Harris Biden 3D chess planned move. Maybe we can ascribe it to them the way TFGs sociopathic megalomania and his cult playing in to is is ascribed that way.

The Deep State is deep.

[Carpet_pissr]

I just wish he'd done it sooner.

And yet, he might have done the smartest thing ever - waiting until after the RNC nomination and selection of their VP candidate. Biden completely upended the entire RNC plan for the next ~100 days by making the switch now. History might show this was intentional gamble that paid off tremendously.

No. He and his family was fighting this tooth and nail up until the last minute (Sat. night) when he was shown polling in swing states showing he could not win.

[Smoove_B]

No. He and his family was fighting this tooth and nail up until the last minute (Sat. night) when he was shown polling in swing states showing he could not win.

I know that's the story, but it won't surprise me to learn it was weeks in the making. And the only reason I think that is how quickly (and publicly) the party elites came out for VP Harris and immediately there were ads and memes and social media boosts. I really would like to believe Biden secured promises from the party that they would back her if he stepped down and they would not try to turn it into a feeding frenzy.

It would also explain why Manchin popped up and pretended like he was going to do something; he's not part of that circle anymore so he had no idea how coordinated it was from behind the scenes.

NOTE: My use of "coordinated" here absolutely indicates this is all part of the shadow government run by Soros.

[Daehawk]

Democrats aren't smart enough for this to be a planned move. I can only hope they seize it and run with it and anything else that happens to fall into their lap because God knows they have been sucking at politics for a while now..and I hate that.

[Newcastle]

I'm thinking Mark Kelly may be a good choice.

White Male - check
Senator - check
Arizona - check
Astronaut > Author

Josh Shapiro seems like a good pick too, but I don't know if now is the time to put a religious conversation on the ticket (looking at you, Michigan).

Mark Kelly (via Giffords) has the added advantage of short-circuiting the conversation on guns and shootings and where they intersect with political figures when they get shot at.


Of course, the fear of plucking a Senator is that we can't afford to lose the Senate.

+1 vis a vis Kelly

Kelly is up for re-election in 2026. Arizona has a D governor. So if he is picked and they win, its a safe D seat for now.

I also like his background; especially his military experience. I think that will count for a lot in this decision making process; especially since Kamala has zero experience in that arena.
It also puts an "immigration -state" person on the ticket as many of you have noted; thereby quelling the ferocity of that issue.

I will even take it a step further, because of his background & military experience I would think that doing a deep background check on him would be much easier than the other VP candidates. Recall reading that a VP vetting process takes 2 months usually. And this is an accelerated timeline of 30ish days.

Was initially Klobucher, but unfortunately I think you need a white male to help balance the ticket. I think JB is out because of Blue state roots. My shortlist would be Shapiro, Cooper, Beshear and Kelly being the front runner. I do think if Beshear or Cooper dont get the VP nod, they will end up in the administration in some form. IE attorney general or something of nature.

[$iljanus]

No. He and his family was fighting this tooth and nail up until the last minute (Sat. night) when he was shown polling in swing states showing he could not win.

I know that's the story, but it won't surprise me to learn it was weeks in the making. And the only reason I think that is how quickly (and publicly) the party elites came out for VP Harris and immediately there were ads and memes and social media boosts. I really would like to believe Biden secured promises from the party that they would back her if he stepped down and they would not try to turn it into a feeding frenzy.

It would also explain why Manchin popped up and pretended like he was going to do something; he's not part of that circle anymore so he had no idea how coordinated it was from behind the scenes.

NOTE: My use of "coordinated" here absolutely indicates this is all part of the shadow government run by Soros.

So Soros is brat.

[Smoove_B]

Careful, you're going to scare all the boomers.

[$iljanus]

Careful, you're going to scare all the boomers.

I gotta admit that I'm happy that a Gen Xer is going to have a shot at the presidency. That's my generation damnit!

[Jaymann]

On the negative side I will no longer be younger than the President.

[$iljanus]

On the negative side I will no longer be younger than the President.

That's okay. You still slap.

(If my daughter saw me type this she would slap the phone out of my hand )

[Skinypupy]

Not that there was much doubt at this point, but Schumer and Jeffries just endorsed Harris today.

Looks like the only significant holdout at this point is Obama, who, I assume, will do so at the convention.

[Scraper]

Not that there was much doubt at this point, but Schumer and Jeffries just endorsed Harris today.

Looks like the only significant holdout at this point is Obama, who, I assume, will do so at the convention.

The theory is that if there are any challengers to Harris he will be the mediator. By staying out the endorsement game he stays neutral. At the convention he will mediate any challengers if need be and then endorse the winner.

[Alefroth]

Careful, you're going to scare all the boomers.

I gotta admit that I'm happy that a Gen Xer is going to have a shot at the presidency. That's my generation damnit!

She was born in 64 so she's a Boomer. She's like two weeks older than me.

[Jaymann]

Careful, you're going to scare all the boomers.

I gotta admit that I'm happy that a Gen Xer is going to have a shot at the presidency. That's my generation damnit!

She was born in 64 so she's a Boomer. She's like two weeks older than me.

Still younger than the President!

[$iljanus]

Careful, you're going to scare all the boomers.

I gotta admit that I'm happy that a Gen Xer is going to have a shot at the presidency. That's my generation damnit!

She was born in 64 so she's a Boomer. She's like two weeks older than me.

Ah shit you're right. But she acts like a cool Gen Xer!

[Alefroth]

Careful, you're going to scare all the boomers.

I gotta admit that I'm happy that a Gen Xer is going to have a shot at the presidency. That's my generation damnit!

She was born in 64 so she's a Boomer. She's like two weeks older than me.

Ah shit you're right. But she acts like a cool Gen Xer!

So do I! And she is on the cusp, so she's kind of like both.

[hitbyambulance]

Careful, you're going to scare all the boomers.

I gotta admit that I'm happy that a Gen Xer is going to have a shot at the presidency. That's my generation damnit!

She was born in 64 so she's a Boomer. She's like two weeks older than me.

Ah shit you're right. But she acts like a cool Gen Xer!

So do I! And she is on the cusp, so she's kind of like both.

Xoomer

[Alefroth]

Perfect!

[$iljanus]

Careful, you're going to scare all the boomers.

I gotta admit that I'm happy that a Gen Xer is going to have a shot at the presidency. That's my generation damnit!

She was born in 64 so she's a Boomer. She's like two weeks older than me.

Ah shit you're right. But she acts like a cool Gen Xer!

So do I! And she is on the cusp, so she's kind of like both.

Xoomer

That's fire.

[Holman]

Careful, you're going to scare all the boomers.

I gotta admit that I'm happy that a Gen Xer is going to have a shot at the presidency. That's my generation damnit!

She was born in 64 so she's a Boomer. She's like two weeks older than me.

Ah shit you're right. But she acts like a cool Gen Xer!

So do I! And she is on the cusp, so she's kind of like both.

Xoomer

"80's teen" is good enough for me.

My older sister (born 1965) is very technically a Boomer, but she's the one who introduced me to New Wave and "college rock" while she was still in high school.

[Apollo]

I'm going to hold off on any optimism until I see how well she handles the inevitable pressure from the Progressive wing of the party to take and openly defend their unpopular stances on many issues like Israel, Law Enforcement, Immigration, etc. As far as her doing marginally better in the polls than Biden, that's easily explained by the war the mainstream media declared on Biden starting with the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and increasing in intensity when the war in Gaza started, then climaxing with the 24/7 assault on his competence after the debate. In addition, the GOP has hardly begun spreading disinformation about Kamala the way they did with Biden. I doubt she's doing any better than Biden was when you go back to polls before the debate.

All that being said, as much as I hated the Democrats for forcing Biden out, I have my fingers crossed that Kamala can win. I'm fine with her as President. But right now, though, I don't think she's going to do any better than Biden would have, which doesn't mean she won't win. Time will tell...

[Alefroth]

It's probably too early... to see a bigger gap-

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/harris ... 024-07-23/

Harris leads Trump 44% to 42% in US presidential race, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds