The Veepstakes, my impressions. We're down to the wire with a decision impending. The first scheduled even is Tuesday, but given the success of the intimate 'personal call' announcement that brought her onto the Biden ticket 4 years ago I think we'll have an announcement tomorrow. That's why I believe the 3 interviews today will be it. I believe Pritzker, Beshear, and Buttigieg are out. Here's my thoughts on the final 6: #politics
The Also-Rans:
Pritzker: Has that 'appeal to conservatives' air but he's stepped in big business. Holder's vetting may have found bombshells that would come out later. Also, from a liberal stronghold so doesn't add as much value to the ticket as other candidates.
Beshear: Good liberal from red territory. Out of the running because he leans into the attack-dog role but that's not going to be the dynamic this time. Kamala's here to show there's nothing wrong with an angry black woman
#politics
Walz is the same age as Harris and also Kelly who used to be the pillar of manhood but it's quickly looking like Dobby got jacked. May be too progressive ultimately like Buttigieg.
Kelly: 'Merika!! Test pilot, astronaut, loving husband who brought his wife back from the brink of death and helped her back to work together building an impressive political career they share in together. She's the bonus political mind that confess for free with him on the ticket.
#politics
Labor skepticism of Kelly isn't the negative people think it is. It would show balance of perspectives on the ticket and under his alleged weakness is support for small businesses that drove his tough decisions.
Shapiro: His 'weakness' on Palestinian support may actually be a strength in appealing to Jewish voters that Trump is trying to claim. Opposing campus protests doesn't look as bad as the money trail finding those protests is leading back to Iran more and more.
#politics
He has that AG background like Kamala which might make it seem like there's two cops on the ticket and hurt the progressive vote, damage potential support in the future when a Justice issue comes to light. But he can bring Pennsylvania along which is a big consideration.
Ultimately I think Kelly is out ahead. Shapiro runs in second. Walz brings up the rear.
Just my opinions
I'll add that I think the Fetterman criticism of Shapiro really does have an impact, but not like he intended. I think the idea of having a running mate who might get drawn into a pissing match with a political hero to progressives who's stability is coming into question is a real concern.
Put this and Walz's lack of conservative draw and if I were putting money in it I'd commit to Capt. Test Pilot Astronaut Gabby Gifford's Husband Mark Kelly as the VP candidate. Its his to lose now.
@Fellixe That's my take too. Kelly is untouchable. He's an American Hero.He's steady and even-tempered. He's married to a woman, a retired politician, who was severely injured by a bullet. He'll be Harris' wingman for 8 years. I don't think he wants the Presidency so he won't be chomping at the bit for a run. AZ is a swing state.
@ReneeVoiceBrand I don't think he wants the presidency but I think he'd be right for it and answer the call. And he could turn out to be the second coming of Eisenhower. But I may just be fan-boying
@Fellixe Or a Kelly Krushπ
@ReneeVoiceBrand @Fellixe As important as PA is I have to agree here. Fighter pilot, astronaut, husband of victim of gun violence. Definitely a governing partner who would not be trying to upstage the president. We could sure use AZ and I think Shapiro would work like hell to bring in PA with the help of Whitmer in Michigan and Walz in Minn.
@dauphin87 @Fellixe BINGO!!!!! Nailed it!!!!
@ReneeVoiceBrand @Fellixe Kelly would also have some pull for Nevada, AZ and NM for boarder control crowd as well as indies who want gun control and climate change action. AZ, Nevada and NM could benefit greatly if we get the power lines run from there to the E coast/MW and invest in solar and wind in the western states (let's not help Texas though their power system sucks). I think/hope it will be Kelly.
@TrueBloodNet @Fellixe Excellent points about border states, gun control, and climate change! He would be a great advantageπ
@ReneeVoiceBrand @Fellixe Plus, the Dem governor will appoint another Dem to replace him. So we don't lose a voice in the senate.
@ReneeVoiceBrand @TrueBloodNet There's the gamble. I'm hoping Hobbs can crack the code and elevate an Arizona liberal who can actually hold the job.
Leave Shapiro in PA
@Fellixe I agree w most of your analysis. I feel pretty good about the 'blue wall' states coming home. MI is going for Kamala as long as we stay on our toes. The women in government trend is really going strong here and we remember how we failed Hillary (and ourselves). That said, Shapiro would be a big negative in the Detroit suburbs. And ITA that a two AG ticket is not balanced.
Pete should get a position related to the Env., CC, Energy or Foreign affairs to gain international exp. IMO
@TrueBloodNet I'd like to see Pete get more foreign relations exposure. Its a weak spot for him which is why I think talk of him going over to State is overblown. But he could become ready
#politics
So she doesn't need an attack dog white-knighting for her.
Buttigieg: Brilliant! Will be an asset to her cabinet, likely in a bigger role than Transportation. Probably not State. I'd guess Commerce. But to her left which doesn't bring in voters she doesn't already claim. Again, doesn't need an attack dog
Which leaves us the finalists:
Tim Walz: Progressive, but can bring along MI and WI voters. The 'looks old' issue is silly. He appeals to youth because he's spent his life doing so