Former Vice President and Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden has already promised to choose a female running mate. Now his allies are demanding he choose a black female.
Supporters insist a black female running mate would spur enthusiasm among black voters and could even improve voter turnout for minorities and progressives.
Possibilities include California Senator Kamala Harris, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, Florida Congresswoman Val Demings, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former national security adviser Susan Rice, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto.
The list above includes African Americans, Latinas, one Asian-American, one lesbian, and good old Native American Elizabeth “Fauxcahontas” Warren. Biden plans to appoint a panel of advisers by May 1st and says he will have a shortlist by July.
All things considered, Biden’s running mate must be someone who can:
- Help him win battleground states
- Attract voters of all stripes
- Successfully debate VP Mike Pence
- Deal with the ramifications of COVID-19
“In the middle of this pandemic, you have to choose someone that people – and particularly black people – believe can govern from day one,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, a Biden ally who supports Abrams.
In addition, Biden’s running mate must be prepared to lead the country if he is no longer capable. If Biden wins the election, he will be 78 on Inauguration Day – making it a real possibility that his running mate will end up becoming the first female president in US history.
“The first and most important quality is someone who – if I were to walk away immediately from the office for whatever reason – that they could be president,” said Biden. “And I know how it worked with Barrack and me, what he told me at the time was, ‘Pick someone who has some background or some confidence that may not be your strong point to make sure that you are able to make up for each others’ weaknesses.’”
While Biden has not promised to choose a black running mate, he has promised to nominate a black woman to serve on the Supreme Court if he wins the election.
Author’s Note: This is a critical choice that could make or break Biden’s campaign. As noted by Fox News, the vice presidential debate has been a decisive factor in at least four of the past nine presidential races.