Prejudice Shoots America's Foot

[Moksha]

Just thought I would mention that Pete Buttigieg is the smartest, most honest, well-spoken, and best emotionally adjusted candidate available for VEEP consideration. But it cannot happen because of homosexuality.

[Some Schmo]

The Democrats might be feeling bold enough to try with Pete anyway.

He really is awesome on TV. And he was elected mayor in Indiana, which says something about his electability.

But yeah - it would be silly not to acknowledge the political risk.

[drumdude]

The only group more hated and unelectable would be open atheists.

[Moksha]

The only group more hated and unelectable would be open atheists.

A Mormon came close to getting elected.

[canpakes]

The only group more hated and unelectable would be open atheists.

Technically, open atheist childless lesbian cat ladies would be on the bottom rung, based on the latest Republican input.

[honorentheos]

It's interesting to see Buttigieg in the traditional VP role in Harris' campaign already. That being the person doing the media circuit rounds making hits on the opposition while defending the Presidential candidate. He's good at it.

[Xenophon]

It's interesting to see Buttigieg in the traditional VP role in Harris' campaign already. That being the person doing the media circuit rounds making hits on the opposition while defending the Presidential candidate. He's good at it.

He really is. One of the things I'm most impressed with is he seems to have mastered his speech cadence in a way that leaves him almost uninteruptable. Even in venues working hard to cut him off, he is great at getting his point out.

[honorentheos]

It's interesting to see Buttigieg in the traditional VP role in Harris' campaign already. That being the person doing the media circuit rounds making hits on the opposition while defending the Presidential candidate. He's good at it.

He really is. One of the things I'm most impressed with is he seems to have mastered his speech cadence in a way that leaves him almost uninteruptable. Even in venues working hard to cut him off, he is great at getting his point out.

Absolutely. His recent appearance on Fox News Sunday was a master class in this. Every attempt to interrupt or insert a gotcha was stiff armed effectively.

I think he'd be a great VP but I'm doubtful he will get the nod due to electorial college politics. The race is so tight that I'm guessing they will feel compelled to pull someone from a swing state.

That said, I also hope Harris looks at her own selection by Biden who didn't need California as a state. He had said his main criteria for VP was someone aligned with his vision and I feel it worked out pretty well. Picking a VP based on their role for four years rather than ability to get a percent or two more votes out of a swing state? What a concept.

[Xenophon]

Absolutely. His recent appearance on Fox News Sunday was a master class in this. Every attempt to interrupt or insert a gotcha was stiff armed effectively.

I think he'd be a great VP but I'm doubtful he will get the nod due to electorial college politics. The race is so tight that I'm guessing they will feel compelled to pull someone from a swing state.

That said, I also hope Harris looks at her own selection by Biden who didn't need California as a state. He had said his main criteria for VP was someone aligned with his vision and I feel it worked out pretty well. Picking a VP based on their role for four years rather than ability to get a percent or two more votes out of a swing state? What a concept.

There is a fair bit of insider baseball that suggests that the lift from "home state advantage" actually isn't that meaningful anyway but I'm not sure how deeply party officials believe that versus the pundits in the wings. I think if the only thing a candidate brings is their state then that is a really bad idea. I liked Kelly as he sures up several of the angles that I believe Harris will be attacked from and adds a very credible air to anything he touches. That said, he isn't without his own faults and I've said for a while that Buttigeg checks a bunch of boxes himself.

Thinking about their role over the four years is a great plan, it would also be nice if they had an eye for the future. The role is such a springboard for the presidency that slotting someone in that you believe can be the future of the party can have some great long-term impacts.

[honorentheos]

I agree.

Kelly is an interesting candidate in that I think he could cut two ways. He is a solid proven Senator with military, sciences and other experience I think would benefit the office. But it's also possible he would be a bit of a wet blanket on the current sources of enthusiasm Harris is enjoying. Plus, Arizona doesn't need yet another Senate election. That last bit being my own fatigue showing. I am looking forward to having a break from that in two years...