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StarfishSaver

(18,486 posts)
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:31 PM Jun 2020

I think Klobuchar's announcement wasn't a concession - it was part of a strategic rollout

Amy didn't climb out on a limb that can be easily sawed off under her if Biden doesn't pick a woman if color, thereby making her look like she has no influence. I think her comments were part of a carefully planned rollout by the Biden campaign of an announcement of Harris or another black woman as his running mate.

She's not actually telling Biden what he should do. She's helping to lay the groundwork, frame the narrative, and inoculating him from criticism from white Democrats who might go after him for "playing identity politics" if he picks someone of color.

She's a team player.



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I think Klobuchar's announcement wasn't a concession - it was part of a strategic rollout (Original Post) StarfishSaver Jun 2020 OP
You could be right. The Velveteen Ocelot Jun 2020 #1
+1. I'm just going to second that stopdiggin Jun 2020 #36
The fact Symone Sanders tweeted a message to her tells me everything I need to know. Drunken Irishman Jun 2020 #2
You're right! StarfishSaver Jun 2020 #5
Excellent tweet from Symone.. RT.. TY! Cha Jun 2020 #19
This message was self-deleted by its author morillon Jun 2020 #20
I agree. I think it is strategic and I think it's a good strategy! skylucy Jun 2020 #3
The fact that she said she spoke to Biden last night FM123 Jun 2020 #4
Oh I hadn't read that.. TY, FM! Cha Jun 2020 #7
That's what I've been saying.. Amy is a Team Player! Cha Jun 2020 #6
Exactly, She did something similar in the Primary. There is a point where you recognize where the JI7 Jun 2020 #8
This message was self-deleted by its author maximusveritas Jun 2020 #9
I agree. brer cat Jun 2020 #10
I hadn't considered that Music Man Jun 2020 #11
Stacy Abrams sent the same signals today when questioned by Judy Woodruff. Hekate Jun 2020 #12
What did Stacy Abrams say today? BComplex Jun 2020 #18
Laying groundwork, framing narrative, Joe's a good man vs the palpably bad one we currently have... Hekate Jun 2020 #24
In being forthright, did she say she thought she was qualified, or did she defer to Kamala. BComplex Jun 2020 #26
She did not defer to anyone, she simply stated her own qualifications as a knowledgable politician Hekate Jun 2020 #29
I would like to see Stacy Abrams be the VP pick. BComplex Jun 2020 #31
And nimble. I think they all are very good, so I will like anyone Joe picks. nt Hekate Jun 2020 #34
I will like anyone too...Stacy could give us Georgia...and Val Demmings...also very impressive Demsrule86 Jun 2020 #49
She also said that Biden had a lot of qualified Black women marybourg Jun 2020 #35
I think you're right... BadGimp Jun 2020 #13
Yes, it has changed because the truth about systemic racism lunatica Jun 2020 #47
I think Biden and team told her privately and gave her this opportunity SiliconValley_Dem Jun 2020 #14
I am guessing there will be a spot for her in the administration if she wants it. Gore1FL Jun 2020 #15
That was my thought too nt spooky3 Jun 2020 #17
Yes, but..... luvtheGWN Jun 2020 #61
I bet there are worthy candidates. Gore1FL Jun 2020 #62
I think Schiff is the next Speaker of the House ... n/t moonscape Jun 2020 #64
That would also rock! nt Gore1FL Jun 2020 #65
yep. since she jumped in Biden train early, he gave her this SiliconValley_Dem Jun 2020 #16
GMTA! That was my immediate reaction, too. nt tblue37 Jun 2020 #21
Yes! We're dealing with pros here and they know how to play the game... TreasonousBastard Jun 2020 #22
@tomwatson - "This is what's known as setting the table, folks." Budi Jun 2020 #33
It was a smart move, for sure. blm Jun 2020 #23
sounds complicated. Grasswire2 Jun 2020 #25
Politics are complicated StarfishSaver Jun 2020 #38
She's known for 3weeks, so this was a really smart move. blm Jun 2020 #39
I agree. Some of the Warren supporters seem to be putting pressure that Biden should choose her still_one Jun 2020 #27
She knew she was done after the minneapolis protests and didn't want Warren to be the VP krawhitham Jun 2020 #28
I withdrawing my criticism of AK. This makes sense and is commendable. Chemisse Jun 2020 #30
It's a good move on her and the campaign's part if that's the case. brush Jun 2020 #32
Kick mcar Jun 2020 #37
Also, Pete Buttigieg said the other day that he thinks Biden's VP should be a WOC. PunkinPi Jun 2020 #40
This message was self-deleted by its author onetexan Jun 2020 #42
Oh wow.. Thanks for telling us That! Love the Cha Jun 2020 #52
Yes, team players and you're welcome. PunkinPi Jun 2020 #54
I thought so too when I heard it last night Sunsky Jun 2020 #41
Exactly StarfishSaver Jun 2020 #43
Exactly. She did the same when she endorsed Biden MaryMagdaline Jun 2020 #44
She's also smart, confident & realistic enough to know that in light of recent events, some would Kashkakat v.2.0 Jun 2020 #45
Agreed. Baked Potato Jun 2020 #46
"She's a team player." pazzyanne Jun 2020 #48
Would Sen. Duckworth be considered a woman of color? Kingofalldems Jun 2020 #50
I don't know. You'd have to ask Klobuchar how she defines the term she used StarfishSaver Jun 2020 #51
Maybe DeminPennswoods Jun 2020 #53
I agree with you. BluesRunTheGame Jun 2020 #55
Amy's a centrist, no doubt about that DeminPennswoods Jun 2020 #56
I agree with that, too. BluesRunTheGame Jun 2020 #58
That's what I think also kcr Jun 2020 #59
I'm in the camp of she knew she would not be picked Sherman A1 Jun 2020 #60
I agree she knew she wouldn't be picked, DeminPennswoods Jun 2020 #66
Yes...👍 ashredux Jun 2020 #57
I would probably criticize Biden more if he picked Amy as VP JonLP24 Jun 2020 #63
To be honest I do not care if Biden picks a man or a women as I am voting for Biden as President and cstanleytech Jun 2020 #67
I don't know. The grand strategy could be just that KPN Jun 2020 #68

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,270 posts)
1. You could be right.
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:33 PM
Jun 2020

In any event, naysayers notwithstanding, it was a classy announcement. I'm glad she said what she said.

 

Drunken Irishman

(34,857 posts)
2. The fact Symone Sanders tweeted a message to her tells me everything I need to know.
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:36 PM
Jun 2020



If Amy was going rogue, she wouldn't have tweeted this. She would be doing some type of damage control because it not only makes Amy look bad if Biden picks, say, Warren, it also makes Biden look bad that someone who was on his short list dropped out and told him to pick a woman of color ... and he picks a white woman.

I don't buy that.

Response to Drunken Irishman (Reply #2)

FM123

(10,050 posts)
4. The fact that she said she spoke to Biden last night
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:38 PM
Jun 2020

tells me that this was a team decision. Thank you Amy!

Cha

(295,899 posts)
6. That's what I've been saying.. Amy is a Team Player!
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:38 PM
Jun 2020

She dropped out of the Presidential Primary along with Pete Buttigieg, and it changed Everything.

TEAM Players! That's how we Get Somewhere!

JI7

(89,173 posts)
8. Exactly, She did something similar in the Primary. There is a point where you recognize where the
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:41 PM
Jun 2020

people are and that some moments are bigger than the self. Good elected officials are ones that will work to make this happen instead of trying to make it about them only.

Response to StarfishSaver (Original post)

Music Man

(1,181 posts)
11. I hadn't considered that
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:44 PM
Jun 2020

And if so, it's a brilliant idea. Good observation.

It's certainly seemed to excite people

Hekate

(90,189 posts)
24. Laying groundwork, framing narrative, Joe's a good man vs the palpably bad one we currently have...
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 12:18 AM
Jun 2020

Team player stuff.

When asked by Judy Woodruff about whether she would take the VP slot she was suitably modest (I think Judy asked that, they all do).

But when challenged (and it was a challenge) about her achievements and legislative experience, Stacy was robustly forthright, which I thought was excellent.

Hekate

(90,189 posts)
29. She did not defer to anyone, she simply stated her own qualifications as a knowledgable politician
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 12:44 AM
Jun 2020

...when asked. Knowledgable and experienced in her own right -- which she is.

Personally, as a woman of the older generation, let me say that women are taught from birth to be deferential. I find it so unbelievably refreshing to come upon a woman in public life like Stacy Abrams or Kamala Harris, someone who has no problem stating her qualifications without a shred of apology or false modesty.

Hillary Clinton (my age) spent her entire life swimming upstream, dodging all the barbed crap thrown at her -- and part of her honorable legacy is that there are now women who can do it another way.

Demsrule86

(68,347 posts)
49. I will like anyone too...Stacy could give us Georgia...and Val Demmings...also very impressive
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 04:10 PM
Jun 2020

could give us Florida.

BadGimp

(4,009 posts)
13. I think you're right...
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:49 PM
Jun 2020

Since the release of the video of George Floyds death, everything has changed. EVERYTHING!

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
47. Yes, it has changed because the truth about systemic racism
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 02:57 PM
Jun 2020

is no longer being ignored. Americans of every race and color are seeing and saying the truth. And it turns out that 75% of us agree that this time we want it to end. I frankly don’t give a shit what MAGATs think or want. They never lifted a finger to make this country function. On the contrary, they’ve been rabid about spreading hate. Trump just gave them permission to ooze out of this country’s underbelly.

In the long run that’s a good thing. The disease is exposed.

 

SiliconValley_Dem

(1,656 posts)
14. I think Biden and team told her privately and gave her this opportunity
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:51 PM
Jun 2020

to bow out gracefully ahead of any "official" decision.

Gore1FL

(21,030 posts)
15. I am guessing there will be a spot for her in the administration if she wants it.
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:52 PM
Jun 2020

Not because of this, but because she can competently do the job.

luvtheGWN

(1,336 posts)
61. Yes, but.....
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 11:16 PM
Jun 2020

Who would replace her as a Democratic Senator from Minnesota?

Likewise, is there a Democrat in California who could be counted on to replace Kamala Harris?

Seems to me that its extremely important to regain the Senate majority.

That's why I (the outsider) think Susan Rice might be the best choice for VP. In fact, I have the suspicion that the reason she chose not to run for the Senate in Maine was because she believed she might be Joe Biden's top pick for VP.

Then again, what the hell do I know?

Gore1FL

(21,030 posts)
62. I bet there are worthy candidates.
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 11:24 PM
Jun 2020

Al Franken might be viable in MN. Imagine Senator Adam Schiff. I'm just throwing out names I can think of from both states--don't consider these predictions. I am sure there are many talented people from both states. CA has a Democratic governor. MN's governor is Democratic Farm League. The immediate replace would still be Democratic in each case.

Susan Rice is a great choice too! The field of women is so full of talent for VP and cabinet positions. They are all-stars.

 

SiliconValley_Dem

(1,656 posts)
16. yep. since she jumped in Biden train early, he gave her this
Thu Jun 18, 2020, 11:52 PM
Jun 2020

as a way to be part of the roll out. shouls he win, she could be sec of state or other cabinet official

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
22. Yes! We're dealing with pros here and they know how to play the game...
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 12:03 AM
Jun 2020

Amy is legendary for working across boundaries and suppressing her own ego to get things done-- and we are probably seeing some of that here.

Hitting the road with Harris, if that's the choice, will be a sight to see.

 

Budi

(15,325 posts)
33. @tomwatson - "This is what's known as setting the table, folks."
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 12:58 AM
Jun 2020

@tomwatson
"This is what's known as setting the table, folks".

No doubt about it. This is strategy

blm

(112,919 posts)
23. It was a smart move, for sure.
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 12:08 AM
Jun 2020

She got to create the best headline for herself instead of her detractors who’ve been poring over every case file in Minnesota. Sharp, and the right thing to do.

Grasswire2

(13,564 posts)
25. sounds complicated.
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 12:26 AM
Jun 2020

Perhaps, with all due respect to you, she just sees that she's not going to be the nominee and is tired.

still_one

(91,945 posts)
27. I agree. Some of the Warren supporters seem to be putting pressure that Biden should choose her
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 12:31 AM
Jun 2020

I think that is unlikely

I believe Joe will choose Harris, Rice, or Val Demings, because they seem to be a good ideological match

krawhitham

(4,634 posts)
28. She knew she was done after the minneapolis protests and didn't want Warren to be the VP
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 12:32 AM
Jun 2020

Not a team player

Chemisse

(30,793 posts)
30. I withdrawing my criticism of AK. This makes sense and is commendable.
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 12:46 AM
Jun 2020

I didn't realize she had spoken to Biden first, thus laying out the possibility that this was part of a group strategy.

brush

(53,467 posts)
32. It's a good move on her and the campaign's part if that's the case.
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 12:57 AM
Jun 2020

A black woman veep choice is just about a no-brainer now to mobilize all the potential young voters who've been in the streets for weeks now protesting the killings of black men by police. Frankly, having an all-white ticket now would be incredibly tone deaf.

PunkinPi

(4,870 posts)
40. Also, Pete Buttigieg said the other day that he thinks Biden's VP should be a WOC.
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 07:38 AM
Jun 2020

I think you're correct about the strategic rollout.

Response to PunkinPi (Reply #40)

Cha

(295,899 posts)
52. Oh wow.. Thanks for telling us That! Love the
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 05:41 PM
Jun 2020

Team Players!

I thought a WOC should be Biden's VP candidate even before the tragic murder of George Floyd & Everything changed

Sunsky

(1,737 posts)
41. I thought so too when I heard it last night
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 07:41 AM
Jun 2020

She would not have made that statement without the blessing of team Biden. I'm now sure that Biden will choose a person of color for his running mate.

 

StarfishSaver

(18,486 posts)
43. Exactly
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 07:56 AM
Jun 2020

She wouldn't get out in front of him like that and she's not the sort to try to publicly shame someone she can pick up the phone and call.

MaryMagdaline

(6,849 posts)
44. Exactly. She did the same when she endorsed Biden
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 09:58 AM
Jun 2020

It’s a trial balloon and way to break it to her supporters and warren’s supporters that the VP will be Kamala Harris (I hope).

Kashkakat v.2.0

(1,752 posts)
45. She's also smart, confident & realistic enough to know that in light of recent events, some would
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 11:47 AM
Jun 2020

consider her MN voting record re: racial justice to be a problem... she was actually my fav out of all of them - the only one I heard use "coalition building" in a sentence. But the times they are a changing. She could probably explain it away quite well but why. Not when there are other qualified individuals.

DeminPennswoods

(15,246 posts)
53. Maybe
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 05:53 PM
Jun 2020

She knows she won't be picked because of her record of hiding behind GJs when it came to holding police accountable when she was DA in Minn.

I think the real reason is to block Warren from the ticket and keep progressive ideas firmly on the sidelines.

BluesRunTheGame

(1,586 posts)
55. I agree with you.
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 07:04 PM
Jun 2020

I think “certain people” are getting worried that Warren will end up on the ticket and Amy volunteered to make things complicated for Liz.



DeminPennswoods

(15,246 posts)
56. Amy's a centrist, no doubt about that
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 07:27 PM
Jun 2020

Personally, I think the time is ripe to "go big" for change and with a Dem House and Senate, Biden could go down in history with FDR, TR, LBJ.

BluesRunTheGame

(1,586 posts)
58. I agree with that, too.
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 07:53 PM
Jun 2020

And it wouldn’t surprise me if Obama was encouraging Joe to “go big”.

At this point Warren has the best resume and the least baggage.

With Harris or Deming things will be found with their previous work in law enforcement/justice and we’ll be playing defense all the way to November.

Rice has a great resume for foreign policy but so does Joe. He was chair of the foreign relations committee. We don’t need to double down on that. She’s untested as as far as campaigning goes and her positions on domestic issues are unknown. Also, her son is a RWNJ and that could cause us some problems.

The others who are mentioned are either obscure western Senators and Governors or southerners who’ve never won a statewide race.

Everyone knows who Warren is. She doesn’t need to be introduced. And she’s good at staying on message.

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
60. I'm in the camp of she knew she would not be picked
Fri Jun 19, 2020, 08:47 PM
Jun 2020

And went for a graceful exit in order to avoid some embarrassment. I don’t buy into anything else beyond that.

DeminPennswoods

(15,246 posts)
66. I agree she knew she wouldn't be picked,
Sat Jun 20, 2020, 07:55 AM
Jun 2020

but she could've just taken her name out of consideration without making any advice on who Biden should select. That she did, tells me there was an additional motive, but ymmv.

JonLP24

(29,322 posts)
63. I would probably criticize Biden more if he picked Amy as VP
Sat Jun 20, 2020, 02:04 AM
Jun 2020

I say this as a Progressive Democrat.

I think it was pretty obvious she wasn't going to being picked.

----
The third-term senator had to cancel one of the final rallies of her campaign after Black Lives Matter and other activists took the stage in Minnesota to protest against her handling of a murder case when she was the prosecutor that sent a Black teen to prison for life.

US Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina, a close Biden ally and Congress's highest-ranking Black lawmaker, said in the days after Floyd's death that he believed it made Klobuchar a less likely pick for vice president, though he said she is "absolutely" qualified for the job.

"This is very tough timing for her," Clyburn said.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/amy-klobuchar-bows-vp-race-urges-woman-colour-200619144939048.html

cstanleytech

(26,080 posts)
67. To be honest I do not care if Biden picks a man or a women as I am voting for Biden as President and
Sat Jun 20, 2020, 08:52 PM
Jun 2020

besides the VP for the most part matters very little.
What does matter though is making sure Trump is defeated and then hopefully put on trial and sentenced to life in prison.

KPN

(15,585 posts)
68. I don't know. The grand strategy could be just that
Sun Jun 21, 2020, 11:24 AM
Jun 2020

she knew she wasn’t going to be it and wanted to take advantage of the situation to better her standing with African Americans while she could. Bowing out in this way also makes her look magnanimous and is actually a wily intraparty political move.

On the other hand, you could be right. It could be a coordinated strategy initiated by the Biden camp. It would certainly help to condition Democratic Party voters for a black woman VP announcement, and also softens the blow to Warren at announcement time. I just think Klibuchar’s pretty wily and saw this as an opportunity to improve her standing with black voters in the future.

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