General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWP: The woman Biden isnt considering for VP but should (Rep. Barbara Lee)
In her biography alone, Lee brings to the table both an inspirational personal story and years of experience. After suffering a miscarriage at just 16, Lee by age 20 was a single mother to two young boys and living on welfare. Still, she obtained both undergraduate and masters degrees, at times taking her children to class with her because she could not afford child care. Starting as an intern in the office of former congressman and progressive icon Ron Dellums, Lee worked her way up to become his chief of staff, served eight years in the California state legislature, and in 1998 won a special election to fill the retiring Dellumss seat. Shes been in the House ever since, including stints chairing the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Congressional Black Caucus.
In choosing Lee, Biden would get a fighter who has the policies to meet the moment. This month, she introduced a bill for a national commission that would examine the effects of slavery, institutional racism, and discrimination against people of color. Fifty-six percent of Americans including 78 percent of Democrats now support Medicare-for-all, which Lee has backed for years. And her years as the Houses steadiest advocate for peace have permanently endeared her to progressive and younger voters and activists.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/06/28/woman-biden-isnt-considering-vice-president-should/
JonLP24
(29,322 posts)Rhiannon12866
(205,306 posts)She has always stepped up when it counted the most!
jorgevlorgan
(8,291 posts)PunkinPi
(4,875 posts)JI7
(89,248 posts)on his list right now.
PunkinPi
(4,875 posts)point (not that Biden or his team are listening to random WaPo writers opinions). There are a lot of great choices, and of course I have my fave.
Just wanted to point out that Barbara Lee endorsed Harris in the primary, since she (Harris) has the 2nd most progressive record in the senate.
JI7
(89,248 posts)because there were and continue to be many lies told about Harris by people who claim to support Barbara Lee. But California democrats know the truth about Harris.
bigtree
(85,996 posts)...arguably the most progressive in that body.
Lucinda
(31,170 posts)Vinca
(50,269 posts)either Val Demings or Stacy Abrams, but I'll be happy with any of the current contenders. As much as I like Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, I hope he won't pick a senator. A majority in the Senate is equally important to winning the White House.
PunkinPi
(4,875 posts)MANative
(4,112 posts)But I'd prefer a VP candidate who could serve as President for 8 years after the Biden admin, and she, like Warren, is over 70. I'm 60. I'd like to see someone younger than me set up to carry us forward after Joe (and team!) has repaired the mess.
still_one
(92,187 posts)be a younger person for obvious reasons
jorgevlorgan
(8,291 posts)And one year older than another major prospect, warren.
still_one
(92,187 posts)jorgevlorgan
(8,291 posts)Maybe younger than 70? I dont disagree, but I would make an exception for Lee. She is simply incredible in so many levels.
Response to jorgevlorgan (Reply #18)
still_one This message was self-deleted by its author.
tavernier
(12,383 posts)She is so powerful and determined. Sadly, her age (same as mine) is a negative. Joe needs young blood to go into the future.
hack89
(39,171 posts)one Biden term plus two of her own would make her 86 at the end. She would be 90 if Biden did two terms.
We need younger leaders.