Great piece, JVL. This is surely the best and, indeed, easiest solution in terms of not causing weeks of very public arguments over who will and won’t run. Also, if Biden steps down now and Kamala instantly assumes the Presidency, this would surely turn a truly awful disaster (the debate) into a moment of celebration as America elects it…
Great piece, JVL. This is surely the best and, indeed, easiest solution in terms of not causing weeks of very public arguments over who will and won’t run. Also, if Biden steps down now and Kamala instantly assumes the Presidency, this would surely turn a truly awful disaster (the debate) into a moment of celebration as America elects its first female President. And I say ‘elects’ as Kamala was, of course, on the ballot in 2020 and so the electorate was voting for both Biden and Harris.
I don’t think I like Bunsen stepping down before his term is up, but I agree with you about JVLs piece. A well put together evaluation of scenarios. This is what I need:)
I 100% agree with you as I’m a huge fan of President Biden and will likely get emotional if we soon see him depart the White House for good. I’m at JVL levels of fandom when it comes to what Joe Biden has achieved in his first term. He’s going to go down as easily one of the best Presidents (especially considering the challenges he faced, let alone the little matter of saving American democracy from Trump in 2020). But, but, but… If, due to his age, Joe Biden literally cannot do the job of selling the simple message of ‘we are sane, they are crazy’ then, I’m sorry, he has to step aside for someone who can sell the Democrats’ agenda and, indeed, promote and sell the values of democracy over autocracy.
As JVL points out there are two VP decisions; one as the immediate VP and the second as the VP running mate. They don't have to be the same. So an out of the box idea; Biden resigns, Harris picks him as VP for remainder of the term and picks a different 2024 running mate.
I hadn’t thought of that, Phil, although I’d be concerned the focus would still be swinging back to what Biden did or didn’t say or do.
I’m still thinking Josh Shapiro as VP to Kamala. He’s clearly a future Presidential prospect in his own right, he’s already been widely tipped for a 2028 run, but crucially here he could possibly help Dems win the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, where he is the current, seemingly unblemished (so far!) Governor. I’m increasingly thinking the status, dignity and prestige of the office of President would instantly promote and maybe even enhance the already proven talents of Kamala, prove she can indeed do the job before November whilst also, crucially, using her former prosecutor skills to go after felon Trump. This way too, as I think Sarah wisely pointed out in a recent podcast: a new President - even one who was obviously part of the 2020-2024 ticket - could maybe talk more positively about the future regards the Israel-Gaza war, speak of “ceasefire”, “peace talks” etc. and maybe, just maybe, win back some of the seemingly lost (if polls are to be believed) youth vote.
Great piece, JVL. This is surely the best and, indeed, easiest solution in terms of not causing weeks of very public arguments over who will and won’t run. Also, if Biden steps down now and Kamala instantly assumes the Presidency, this would surely turn a truly awful disaster (the debate) into a moment of celebration as America elects its first female President. And I say ‘elects’ as Kamala was, of course, on the ballot in 2020 and so the electorate was voting for both Biden and Harris.
I don’t think I like Bunsen stepping down before his term is up, but I agree with you about JVLs piece. A well put together evaluation of scenarios. This is what I need:)
I 100% agree with you as I’m a huge fan of President Biden and will likely get emotional if we soon see him depart the White House for good. I’m at JVL levels of fandom when it comes to what Joe Biden has achieved in his first term. He’s going to go down as easily one of the best Presidents (especially considering the challenges he faced, let alone the little matter of saving American democracy from Trump in 2020). But, but, but… If, due to his age, Joe Biden literally cannot do the job of selling the simple message of ‘we are sane, they are crazy’ then, I’m sorry, he has to step aside for someone who can sell the Democrats’ agenda and, indeed, promote and sell the values of democracy over autocracy.
As JVL points out there are two VP decisions; one as the immediate VP and the second as the VP running mate. They don't have to be the same. So an out of the box idea; Biden resigns, Harris picks him as VP for remainder of the term and picks a different 2024 running mate.
I hadn’t thought of that, Phil, although I’d be concerned the focus would still be swinging back to what Biden did or didn’t say or do.
I’m still thinking Josh Shapiro as VP to Kamala. He’s clearly a future Presidential prospect in his own right, he’s already been widely tipped for a 2028 run, but crucially here he could possibly help Dems win the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, where he is the current, seemingly unblemished (so far!) Governor. I’m increasingly thinking the status, dignity and prestige of the office of President would instantly promote and maybe even enhance the already proven talents of Kamala, prove she can indeed do the job before November whilst also, crucially, using her former prosecutor skills to go after felon Trump. This way too, as I think Sarah wisely pointed out in a recent podcast: a new President - even one who was obviously part of the 2020-2024 ticket - could maybe talk more positively about the future regards the Israel-Gaza war, speak of “ceasefire”, “peace talks” etc. and maybe, just maybe, win back some of the seemingly lost (if polls are to be believed) youth vote.
100% agree on all.