More than 100 liberal activists urge Joe Biden to pick Elizabeth Warren as VP in letter

[left-of-center2012]

A group of more than 100 liberal activists and celebrities sent a letter to Joe Biden urging him to choose Sen. Elizabeth Warren for his 2020 running mate as the former vice president considers his options.

Jane Fonda, whose recent activism includes a slew of arrests at climate protests, signed the letter, obtained by The Washington Post, along with progressive health care activist Ady Barkan, Pulse nightclub shooting survivor and gun violence activist Brandon Wolf and a wide range of left-leaning scholars and public figures. It was sent to the campaign on Friday, the Post reported.

The Massachusetts senator "has proven herself most prepared to be President if the occasion arises and deeply expert on the overlapping emergencies now plaguing America – Covid-19, Economic Insecurity, Racial Injustice and Climate Change," the letter said.

The letter argues Warren is key to reaching more progressive voters who backed Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Many Sanders supporters were angry when Warren did not endorse him for the nomination ...

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/06/15/jane-fonda-liberal-activists-ask-biden-letter-pick-warren-vp/3189943001/

[redstatebluegirl]

1. Nope, I love Elizabeth, but no.

[JustAnotherGen]

2. Ditto

[Mike 03]

3. Same

And she was the candidate I supported prior to Super Tuesday.

[redstatebluegirl]

5. I gave her quite a bit of money, but she is not what we need right now.

This will be the most important decision Biden will make going into November.

[phylny]

56. I did as well.

She's not my choice for VP.

[Hoyt]

6. +1.

[customerserviceguy]

24. Agreed

It would be a slap in the face to the voters of color who saved Joe Biden from being an also-ran.

[LizBeth]

30. Warren would be my first pick. We have other good options but Warren's strength address Biden's

weakness. I think we need her to go after corporations and wallstreet. Where as Harris more compliments Biden's strength with her strength. Fine, but I think it would be a missed opportunity not hitting Warren's strength.

[redstatebluegirl]

44. Warren can do us more good in the Senate, especially if we get a majority.

I would like to see her as majority leader if Schumer would hopefully step aside. The Vice President has no power to speak of, I want her in a place where she can use her power and her mind, not go to funerals.

[LizBeth]

58. So... That is my second choice for her. Absolutely and about equal on desire to have it either way.

I have never been impressed with Schumer. I would love to see Pelosi, Warren and Harris as VP. I think it would be sweet. In schools, the VP is the hard ass. Another thing that is Biden weakness that I can see and if allowing of the VP, whomever, gets to be the hard ass. Any woman has proven to not have a shit to give, pertaining to Trump.

I honestly do not think Schumer would give it up.

I think we play a little with VP tradition role, whomever goes in. Biden truly did not get the majority but all us strong Dems got behind him, well before the end, to take out Sanders and get 'er done. We are not voting for Biden, but the blue wave. Legitimate reasons others are stronger choices and I think Biden knows that. 4 yrs. Place the VP in a major role with administration and let them shine for four years.

I think this will be an interesting time whomever is decided on. And it would be a shining role for the end of Biden's career with a cherry on top, as uniter... At least within our party and connecting to the American voter on an emotional level. I think that is what Biden is bringing to the table. He is old. Lets make it as easy on him as we can. Again, a management style that great leaders can implement at this time in their career.

[redstatebluegirl]

59. Well I am a Stong Democrat and I am voting

for Biden and the blue wave. I think we need some new blood at the top of the ticket. Harris would be great. Elizabeth will kick some ass if she is in a majority Senate.

[LizBeth]

61. Right there with you.

[Fiendish Thingy]

4. 4 national polls now show Warren as first choice for VP among voters. Nt

[Hortensis]

53. Yes. Denying and dissing truth should be left to the trumpsters.

(Disclosure: She's this voter's favorite too.)

[ProudMNDemocrat]

7. The South is in play this time......

Biden is up in much of the South or even with Trump, which 4 years ago, had him in double digits ahead by election day.

This election is different. People are in the streets in the deeper south and the faces of local and state governments and in the state legislatures are ever changing. The voters in the deeper south are paying attention. Democrats running for office, more and more are African-American. Mike Espy, Jamie Harrison, Charlie Booker, etc.

His picking a woman of color is going to be huge. Not only will that pick be pivotal, but crucial at this time of COVID and Civil discord of late.

[Doodley]

100. Agreed. Susan Rice or Kamala is the way to go.

[Doodley]

8. No! She was baited by Trump on her ancestry and looked foolish.

[jcgoldie]

22. No she didnt.

[customerserviceguy]

27. Yeah, she did

He totally rented space in her head for free on that one. And she had to use her DNA test to take away focus just before the midterm election.

[jcgoldie]

33. So you believe that this DNA test bullshit has some bearing on who Joe Biden should select?

I like Demings because I don't feel VP is a policy position. Its a desk job unless the president chooses to put you in charge of something. I think a woman of color with more youth from a battleground state gives the most political punch. But if I had to choose who would step in for the president then thats easily Liz. The DNA nonsense, however, was and is exactly that... the statements "she looked foolish" and he "rented space in her head" are just rather trumpian opinions stated without evidence.

[customerserviceguy]

38. In this case

achieving racial balance on the ticket is the top priority. I just wanted to agree with another poster on this thread who pointed out her vulnerability, but no, it's not terribly relevant as to whether or not she should be on the ticket.

And the next Democratic VP will have so much more to do than staffing a desk. With Joe Biden being the oldest President ever elected, it is absolutely vital that his VP is as hands-on with governing as he himself is.

[Doodley]

98. Very true. We need a VP who won't be defined by Trump and who is

presidential-ready.

[LizBeth]

31. One little, very little, a long time ago misstep. We hold women to a different standard, don't we.

[Doodley]

97. Yes, I hold women to a different standard. I'd be more than happy if

every single lawmaker was a woman, I'm a guy and I've said this for decades. But she showed she could crack under pressure. I think Susan Rice or Kamala are tougher. I don't want a VP who will let Trump define her.

[demmiblue]

47. Go away.

That goes for the other dude responding to you.

[boston bean]

9. No.

[demmiblue]

10. I preferred Warren over Biden, but I think we need a younger VP.

Biden is likely one and done.

At the same time, Warren would have likely been a two-termer.

:sigh:

[Cha]

91. i don't think "Biden is likely one and done". But I don't want

Elizabeth for VP, either.

It's rather moot that "EW would likely have been a two-termer" when she didn't get close in the primary or win her home state.

[Thekaspervote]

11. No!! Think about it, she didn't even carry her own state in the primaries

[grantcart]

71. She didn't even get 2nd. End of story

[Phoenix61]

12. I think she'd be great but I don't want to lose

her seat in the senate but that will happen anyway if she’s appointed head of something.

[Stuckinthebush]

13. That might well be a colossal mistake

Nothing against Warren. She's fabulous. But at this time in history with the BLM movement finding strength and gaining traction with all voters, it may be a major mistake not to tap a VP of color. Remember that Joe has four years and he's moving on and passing the torch to the VP. That VP pick should be a non-white female.

[StarfishSaver]

14. Picking Elizabeth Warren would be a serious mistake

I don't think that's going to happen.

[LuvNewcastle]

15. I think she is the most ready to take over

if something happens to Joe. The U.S. would be on a steady course with her in charge. I can't say that about some of the others. She isn't that much younger than Joe but she seems to be in good health and she's energetic. I hope he chooses her.

[marlakay]

20. I think the same thing

And the polls have her in first place as to who the people want.

[LizBeth]

60. That has been consistent. Including the POC vote. Something she is not getting a lot of credit for

is her time with the black community, listening. Processing, digesting and coming to a plan. After Booker and Harris got out, Warren was the only one really having conversation about social justice and the black community. It was not always perfect, and she always paused, listened and progressed. A huge reason I like Warren and a reason coming up with doable, solid plans.

[TeamPooka]

16. she's great but Harris is the one

[demmiblue]

17. I think Harris is going to be the one, as well.

Smart as hell, and a huge personality.

[chia]

21. +1,000

[ms liberty]

18. I continue to believe she is the best choice. n/t

[LizBeth]

32. +1

[Owl]

52. I do as well!

[HotTeaBag]

67. As do I.

But in the current climate, Joe's choice has been pretty much taken out of his hands - he'll have to pick a woman of color.

Some great choices there, but none come close to Warren.

[nsd]

19. How many of these "activists" actually backed Joe Biden in the primary?

If you want a seat at the table, you gotta act that way from the start.

[jcgoldie]

23. What nonsense.

So your argument is that Joe Biden the presumptive Democratic nominee should not be responsive to any Democrats who backed another candidate in the primaries? Pretty small tent you got there.

[PTWB]

85. What a ridiculous comment.

Many of the most qualified contenders for VP were running for the nomination. Do you expect them to have backed their opponent? How about when it looked like he didn’t have a chance in hell?

The primary is a primary. Mud gets thrown. The winner emerges and people get over it.

Biden must pick someone who balances his ticket. He ought to pick a strong, capable, younger woman of color. Many names have been floated - Harris, Demings, Abrams, etc.

Harris is my top pick for VP even though she called out Biden over some of his racial positions in the past.

[USALiberal]

25. No, I want a young VP. nt

[Vinca]

26. No. For starters, we need her in the Senate. Secondly, we would be better to have someone

from a swing state. Thirdly, it wouldn't be a bad time to opt for a woman of color. IMO, Val Demings would be a good choice. Trump is going to try to run on Democrats hating the police, but if you've got a former police chief on the ticket, that's not going to fly. In addition, since a major issue for the next administration will be police reform, who would know more about it than a former chief? And it doesn't hurt she's from a swing state and wouldn't lose a Senate seat.

[TreasonousBastard]

35. That's the right line of thinking. And we don't need Berniebots holding hostages.

[TeamPooka]

45. Harris is the pick that protects the Senate for us. CA is the only state that can assure us

that a DEMOCRAT will replace a Senator that becomes VP.
Newsom will appoint a temp Dem, maybe Adam Schiff or my pick for it, Katie Porter
CA will elect a Dem in any special election etc too.

[Vinca]

66. One of the reasons she dropped her presidential bid was the emergence of a number of

controversial decisions she made when a prosecutor. Things like declining a request for DNA testing to exonerate someone and not being keen on the idea of police body cameras. I think at this point in history it would come back to bite us big time.

[TeamPooka]

82. winning the white house is worthless with Mitch McConnell still running the Senate

[StarfishSaver]

96. Those were problems for some members of our party

They won't be a problem for more conservative swing voters, who actually might think those make her more palatable.

And, even if this record made them less likely to vote for her in the primary, any Democrat who would even consider not voting for Joe Biden because Harris is his running mate needs to stop pretending they're a Democrat.

[in2herbs]

28. I wanted EW for Pres. but now that Biden is the one I want Kamala -- 4 years as VP and then

8 years as Pres. I would like to see EW as Sec of Education for 12 years.

[GentryDixon]

29. No, please.

[LizBeth]

34. Warren is my first choice with her strength going after wallstreet/corporations filling in Biden's

weakness. I would like to see her in there addressing corporation and wallstreet and banking issues now.

[in2herbs]

39. I think Katie Porter could fill the shoes as Sec of Treas. nt

[TeamPooka]

46. see my post #45 for my pick about Porter's future.

[Green Line]

36. Nope

We have a Republican Governor, there will be a special election for her seat, but if Charlie Baker decides to run, he'll win. He's very popular here, we can't take that chance.

And what states did she win? She finished 3rd in her own state.

[SidDithers]

37. Chasing Bernie voters is a stupid strategy...

I'm sure all those who posted snake emojis when Warren didn't endorse Bernie, are going to come running to Biden if he picks Warren.

Better to firm up and excite the base.

Sid

[LizBeth]

41. I am appalled by Sanders and his supporters. Wanting Warren has nothing to do with Sanders and

everything to do with her strengths.

[SidDithers]

42. The article in the OP specifically states that Biden should choose Warren...

as a way to attract Bernie voters.

The letter argues Warren is key to reaching more progressive voters who backed Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

That ain't gonna work.

Sid

[LizBeth]

43. Agree, there is a certain percentage that is out to destroy the Democratic Party. Youth though,

those who supported HRC, academic and educated will get excited with Warren and her energy and progressiveness.

[kcr]

69. Did not support Sanders, and I want Warren as VP

I'm not the only one.

[LizBeth]

72. +1

[Bettie]

93. +1

We'll see who is chosen, but Warren is a solid pick.

[Cha]

77. "Better to firm up and excite the base."! Exactly, Sid!

Thank You!

[budkin]

40. I was originally for this, but changed my mind.

Elizabeth was my candidate of choice, but I feel that considering everything that has happened, he needs to choose a woman of color.

[BlueLucy]

48. NO!

[roscoeroscoe]

49. Wouldn't that simply give away a Senate seat?

Republican governor, etc.?

[LizBeth]

62. No. I do not know the particulars, but you can bet the Democrats know and would not pick a VP

if it meant a Republican in senate seat. I do know know exactly what it is but something about the Gov would have to chose from within the Democratic party.

[roscoeroscoe]

64. Here's a quick analysis from Boston

https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2016/06/02/elizabeth-warren-charlie-baker-may-play-kingmaker/LzmE74TiYtBj8sAcdN1VJO/story.html

[whistler162]

50. Sounds more like what Trump supporters want

Two septuagenarians on the ticket is not good!

[oswaldactedalone]

51. No

Kamala or Val Demings.

[SharonClark]

54. Warren would be wasted as veep.

She has a platform as an outstanding and outspoken Senator. We need a veep who can help build the future of the party.

[Trumpocalypse]

55. So liberal activists want an all white ticket

[nolabear]

57. I like her very much but she's vulnerable and not the right asset.

I think the moment for black women is now. They bring a great deal to the table, vote wise and agenda wise. The choices are good ones, not because they’re black but because they’re competent and smart and humane.

The fact 45’s stupid criticisms will sound doubly evil when you throw his natural racism into the mix is just lagniappe.

[LizBeth]

63. I think it is a poor choice to group women and tell one created group to sit down, that once again

we are not on the agenda. A black woman is chosen, that works. A WOMAN is chosen, that is great. That is what we need, right now. Not telling a group of women that we are not a part of the whole.

[brooklynite]

65. And...?

"Liberal Activists and Celebrities" writing a public letter will have absolutely no impact on the VP selection.

[lindysalsagal]

68. I love, love, love Sen. Warren, but we need to WIN.

I would have kissed her feet if she could be our POTUS, but we need someone who delivers the south. I say, go with a Black southern woman who's incredible on TV. Sorry, but that stereotype is necessary in this age of fickle independents who didn't "love" HRC enough to bother to gotv.

Just a reality, sad to say. We need the female, southern OBama.

[LizBeth]

75. I do not think it is the reality. I do not think we will lose a single vote if it is not south and

black. Women are pissed and voting blue wave. As is the south. This is not conventional.

[SMC22307]

81. We need Pennysylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin...

and to make sure we don't lose Minnesota cuz Fat Nixon's targeting it HARD.

[grantcart]

70. Love Warren but finishing 3rd in your home state is a death nell

[marmar]

73. Elizabeth Warren was my choice for president, but....

.... I don't know that it's a good idea to have two septuagenarians on the ticket.

[Alex4Martinez]

74. VP Warren, AG Harris, SOS Rice, etc., etc.

Let's fill the cabinet with POC and keep the VP spot available to the most progressive candidate who is interested.

[LizBeth]

76. +1

[Happy Hoosier]

78. It's gotta be a black woman, IMO.

This is a time when representation matters.

[SMC22307]

79. I like it. With Harris as AG. (n/t)

[Cha]

80. We'll see who former VP Biden Wants for his ticket.. who he thinks

is the best for his Admin.. he's had a lot of experience with what he would like for his VP.. Not who these "activists" want.

[LizBeth]

83. These "activists" are solid Dems. And yes, I trust Biden to pick wisely. He can't hardly go

wrong. Solid, strong women.

[Cha]

87. I know who these "activists" are.. I trust Joe Biden

more than who they want. He's earned it.

[LizBeth]

88. I do not get why you are putting "Democrats" in quotes.

[Cha]

90. That's because I did Not. I put "activists" in quotes

because they were the ones in the OP "urging" Joe Biden.

[Marrah_Goodman]

84. She is who I hope he chooses

[Mosby]

86. Tone deaf as usual, and a slap in the face to the AA community.

[LizBeth]

89. No, it is not. ALL women should be up for grab. NO woman should be told sit down, not your turn yet,

and again.

[CTyankee]

92. No, no, no. We need a woman of color. We can't have an all white ticket.

A lot of hard working AA candidates will feel snubbed and we'll invite disaster in November. We have several wonderful female AA candidates!!

[DFW]

94. More than a few are urging him to pick someone else

I hope he listens to NONE of them. It has to be some one HE is most comfortable with, as in handing over the presidency with no misgivings in case he can't do the job for whatever reason. I have no preference as far as color goes, (though indigo blue is my favorite). Just give us some youth, some competence, and as little baggage as can be. ANYONE will have some reason why a portion of DU will cry NO NO NO, but I especially hope that Harris and Warren have no chance.

Other than that, it most be someone with competence and knowledge of foreign affairs, economics and environmental issues. A 49 year old Native American female Howard Dean would be just about right, come to think of it. I wonder if she's on the short list?

[geralmar]

95. Warren's smug take down of Bloomberg during the debates...

eliminates her from my short list. (And how eager will Bloomberg be to spend money supporting the ticket if she is VP pick?) Also claiming minority status to get into college is a blight on her integrity.

Yeah, I'll vote for Biden regardless; but I won't be happy about it.

[Doodley]

99. Good points, and Trump will play on those points you raised time and time

again to try to damage a Biden-Warren ticket.