Ever since Biden’s unexpected “retirement,” it's clear that unless something weird happens, Kamala Harris will be the Democrats’ selection for president. There is no reason to imagine any problems for her.
Remember, her mentor was the most effective politician in California history: Willie Brown – a mastermind of intrigue as well as a guy who knew how to operate the “machine.”
In fact, talk was brewing that Kamala was undermining Joe Biden for awhile with the help of fellow Californian Nancy Pelosi. If true, then this makes Biden's endorsement of Harris a tribute to her acumen. So let there be no doubt about her ability to capture the nomination sooner rather than later.
Whether she can do more than insider shenanigans does remain to be seen. Except for her 2020 attempt at getting nominated for president, she has never lost an election,
But take into account that these victories were all within the Democrat party California machine, which is on par with the Chicago machine. Ballot drop boxes, boots on the ground, and who knows what all goes into it; the state is a Democrat party stronghold. Combined with an outrageous, weak, and inconsequential Republican operation in California, only a very few token Republicans ever get a foothold in the state.
When thrust onto the national stage, California Democrats have not fared well as they are generally out of touch with the rest of the country. We have to assume that this will be true with Harris, too, and we will see how her first major decision pans out. This first decision will be her selection of a running mate. So let's try and guess who it should be and who it might be.
Let's begin by eliminating some of the early and interesting potential picks. The top of the “wild” list as predicted by South Dakota governor Kristi Noam. She thinks Harris will attempt an all woman ticket by choosing Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer. This would shore up swing state Michigan and be the boldest possible move Harris could make, as opposed to all the “balance the ticket with a straight white male” promoters.
Let's rule it out immediately.
Choosing a straight white male can also shore up a swing state and there are many potential candidates, the most prominent and capable would be Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania. This is the best selection, not despite the fact that he’s Jewish, but because he’s Jewish. This would reassure American Jews, since the Democrats have either supported or refused to comment on the pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel, anti-Semitic Democrat student protesters. It also might fix the perceived connection of Harris with the anti-Israel crowd. It fixes the problem short term and long term.
Unfortunately, it may also end her chances of getting elected, since the pro-Palestinians might go even more nuts over this choice. They might create havoc at the convention and throughout the election. But it may actually be more important to shore up the rift between the Jews and the Democrats than winning the election. And the students may calm down anyway.
Then again, Harris may not like Jews, so Shapiro’s out for that reason.
The other choices are not as solid as Shapiro and a few do not have a good “look,” at least not on the same stage with Harris. Many have suggested the ex-astronaut and senator from Arizona, Mark Kelly, a mean-looking bald fart who is the most extreme mismatch looks-wise. Looking like a retired Marine drill sergeant, Kelly would be the worst selection possible. Picking this guy would signal that Harris is not making the pick, but that the party is doing it for her.
The governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, is the best least offensive choice and the chemistry would be interesting. It's a swing state. He's a good bet. I'm leaning towards him. It's a good ticket.
Another longshot whose name does crop up is Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker. While Illinois is a Democrat “machine state” and not an important swing state, Pritzker is an influential billionaire with a transsexual in the family. Harris seems attracted to the transsexual community. So this might appeal to her; and it also sends the right signals to the liberal-progressive base. Harris, being from California, could make the mistake of choosing Pritzker.
Other errors in judgment are possible. Black preacher and governor of Georgia Raphael Warnock tops that list, along with Gavin Newsom, who wants to run against J. D. Vance in 2028. Having two people from California does not work for a lot of reasons.
Andy Beshear of Kentucky has some appeal, but not as much as Cooper. And last on this short list is the laughable Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Harris might fool us all and emulate Trump when he pulled the rabbit Mike Pence out of a hat in 2016. It's always possible. But for now, either Shapiro or Cooper will be selected. Any other choice would raise eyebrows. — jcd
Art credit Darren O’Neill