San Francisco mayor says Harris replacement pick 'a real blow to the African American community'

[jalan48]

San Francisco Mayor London Breed (D) said Tuesday that California Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D) choice of Secretary of State Alex Padilla (D) to fill Vice President-elect Kamala Harris's (D) vacant Senate seat is "a real blow to the African American community."

"And it's an unfortunate situation as we are trying to move this country forward, and making sure that Black lives truly matter and that African Americans have a seat at the table — especially African American women," she continued, according to the news outlet. "After what was done in this race on a national level, [it] definitely is unfortunate."

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) called for Newsom to appoint a Black woman to fill Harris's seat earlier this month. “We absolutely cannot go backwards. With the election of @KamalaHarris to VP-elect, @CAgovernor must prioritize this leadership, perspective & representation in the vacated U.S. Senate seat & appoint a Black woman," she wrote on Twitter, mentioning both Lee and Bass.


Newsom is set to appoint Padilla to fill Harris's seat. He will be the first Latino to represent California in the Senate.

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/531429-san-francisco-mayor-says-harris-replacement-pick-a-real-blow-to-the

[Sneederbunk]

1. Puleez!

[idziak4ever1234]

2. It seems like Padilla is a reasonable choice

[BeyondGeography]

3. Harris went from failed 2020 candidate to nominee in waiting for 2024

Does that count for bupkis?

[Stallion]

4. Roseanna Rosanadana: If Its not One Thing-its Another

“It's like my father always said to me, he said to me, he said, Roseanna Roseanadana, it's always something. If it isn't one thing--it's another! It's always something.”
-- Gilda Radner

If a female African American wants to be the US Senator from California then she ought to run in 2 years. What we don't need is different interest groups within the Democratic Party taking pot-shots at each other depending on which minority group was chosen. Its impossible to make every interest group happy all at the same time

[elleng]

20. Thanks

[liskddksil]

5. We lose voters with this attitude nt

[Vivienne235729]

7. 1000+

[SMC22307]

86. Agree. I've been voting Dem...

since freakin' Carter and it's turning *me* off.

[Demsrule86]

6. This needs to stop.

[LizBeth]

9. +1

[NCDem47]

8. Just sayin'

California Demographics - 2018

39% Latino

6% African American

SOURCE: California Department of Finance 1970–2000; American Community Survey 2018.

[Mosby]

80. +1

[LovingA2andMI]

11. Exactly!!!

Love You Mayor London Breed! It should have been Representative Barbara Lee that was chosen for the seat. PERIOD!!

[Vivienne235729]

12. Black lives DO matter. Biden's VP pick is AA.

I don't want to see JUST an AA administration. I want to see a DIVERSE administration.

[LovingA2andMI]

14. So We Good Now....

According To WHO?

[Vivienne235729]

16. Right. Lets leave out everyone else bc only AA matter. Is that right?

[LovingA2andMI]

19. According To YOU....

We got a African-American Vice President who was the ONLY African-American Women Representation in the U.S. Senate so we Good Now because there is no African-American Woman Representation in the U.S. Senate (after Kamala leaves to be V.P.) -- however, there are plenty of Caucasian Women in the Senate so we good now? Correct?

[Vivienne235729]

26. No. But how many latinos, asians, natives, middle easterners in the senate?

There's about 10 AA senators. She's certainly not the only AA senator. How many are asian, native, hispanic/latino? I am rooting for every minority. Not just one.

[LovingA2andMI]

30. What?

There's about 10 AA senators. She's certainly not the only AA senator.

Kamala Harris is the only U.S. Senator African-American Woman Representation in the U.S. SENATE. Your lame attempt here in Splitting the baby falls flat. The last African-American Woman BEFORE Kamala was Carol Moseley Braun from Illinois.

Please stop.

[Vivienne235729]

36. There's 10 AA senators and 26 female senators. Maybe not an AA woman senator

Right NOW but geez. There has been an AA female senator in the past and there will be in the future. Good lord! There's an historic AA female VP. And you're going to complain that someone of another ethnicity got her spot? It's not all about you. And your myopic thinking is counterproductive. Padilla is an acceptable choice too.

[LovingA2andMI]

53. Good lord! There's an historic AA female VP. And you're going to complain that someone of another

Good Lord.....

And you're going to complain

Typical. So typical.

[Vivienne235729]

72. Uh, that's what you did. You were complaining. What would be a more palatable word fir you?

Pretend I used that word then. Whatever word makes you happy. Just support people who don't look like you and are also marginalized.

[LovingA2andMI]

101. Just support...

Keeping African-American Women in the U.S. Senate. Yes, that is the plan. Always!

Have a LOVELY day!

[Hortensis]

33. Vivienne, agree entirely, and of course so does VP-Elect Harris.

Wouldn't you know, of COURSE Harris and Padilla are personal friends.

Link to tweet

[Vivienne235729]

39. It wouldn't surprise me if she helped in who her replacement would be.

This is nice to see! Thanks, Hortensis!

[Hortensis]

45. Me neither.

[Cha]

105. Rt.. TY, Hortensis!

[Sympthsical]

13. First Latino in a plurality Latino state

39% Latino, 37% white, 15 % Asian, 6.6% black.

Padilla is a perfectly reasonable choice if we’re talking racial representation in California.

I’ve been over London Breed for a while. This just adds to it.

[LovingA2andMI]

15. Sounds Borderline..

I’ve been over London Breed for awhile. This just adds to it.

[Sympthsical]

18. I'm allowed to dislike a politician

I just tend not to talk smack about elected Democrats.

[LovingA2andMI]

21. Samsies...

N/T

[kimbutgar]

37. I agree with your opinion about London Breed

She’s done a good job of handling the pandemic but prior to that meh!

That said, I like that she moved up from being poor to becoming mayor of SF and she has a great future ahead of her but she is not ready for the Senate. She needs to spend time in Sacramento and work her way up.

[eissa]

90. Feel the same way about London

Perhaps she should focus more on cleaning up her city - one that was once a world-class destination and has become a filthy and neglected caricature of itself. I live 1.5 hours east of SF and love driving in regularly, but it needs major clean up.

As for Padilla, he is more than qualified - personally and professionally - for his new role. There would undoubtedly have been dissatisfaction within our very big tent no matter who Newsom selected, but I think he chose well.

[tblue37]

91. Since his parents immigrated from Mexico, this is also an F-you to Trump's anti-Mexican

and anti-immigrant demagoguery.

[Raine]

126. TOTALLY agree about Breed! nt

[left-of-center2012]

17. Padilla is the first Hispanic US Senator from California

There has already been an African American female US Senator from California ... Kamala Harris.

[LovingA2andMI]

25. And....

President-Elect Joe Biden is President due in large part to the Work by African-American Women to make him President, including Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris - who when she leaves her U.S. Senate seat there will be no African-American Women Representation in the U.S. Senate. #Facts

[left-of-center2012]

29. So ...

Celebrate California having it's first Hispanic US Senator ever !

[EndlessWire]

38. I agree. n/t

[LovingA2andMI]

49. Is this a Dodge?

The facts are still the #Facts. Scroll up.

[left-of-center2012]

55. The facts are still the #Facts.

Padilla is the first Hispanic US Senator from California !

[LovingA2andMI]

57. Yes it is a Dodge....

As you "borrowed" the #Facts hashtag. Borrowing is so very #Typical

[left-of-center2012]

79. Never owned a Dodge

[LovingA2andMI]

99. You do now....

Dodge....

[BannonsLiver]

65. I couldn't care less about London Breed's thoughts on this issue but

If I may ask, how did you get those amazing cheerleader smileys!?

[Turin_C3PO]

31. I'm happy

that the largest plurality of voters in California is being represented in the choice of Padilla.

[LovingA2andMI]

102. Okay...

For you. Have a lovely day!

[treestar]

73. Biden doesn't have a say in this

[Klaralven]

63. Harris was also the second Asian American Senator from California

[LiberalFighter]

22. The mayor is wrong.

[Hav]

23. The son of two immigrants isn't a step backwards

There seems to be much bitterness about not being picked behind these comments.

Feinstein might retire soon which opens up another seat.

[Turin_C3PO]

24. Padilla's a good choice.

We shouldn’t be fighting over this.

[Vivienne235729]

28. EXACTLY!!!!

[Hortensis]

40. WE're virtually all strongly in agreement. And since the VP is President of the Senate,

we're keeping a black female in the senate, gaining a black female VP, and gaining our first Hispanic senator from CA. (What, the FIRST?!)

In any case, of course we're pleased with ourselves! Are we the cool people or what?

[Budi]

27. The gratitude on camera from Padilla is what we need to hear more of.

Instead...🙄

And they wonder why we're so divided.

Not enough that the VP & 2024/28 Pres candidate will be Kamala Harris representing both Black & Brown ancestry.

Upon choosing Harris Biden stated:

In a joint speech delivered in Wilmington, Del., former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris made their campaign debut as running mates.

The pair highlighted the historical significance of Harris being the first Black woman, and first person of Indian descent, to be nominated for national office by a major party in the United States.

"This morning, all across this nation, little girls woke up, especially little Black and brown girls who so often may feel overlooked and undervalued in our society," Biden said at the event. "But today, maybe, just maybe, they’re seeing themselves for the first time in a new way."

And Harris was capable of showing her deepest gratitude, as was every selection Biden has since made.

Except...🙄

[LovingA2andMI]

104. Divided....

It's more like remembering. We will remember.

[Tom Rinaldo]

32. Choosing the first Latino U.S. Senator from California is not a blow to African Americans

Especially since Senator Harris doesn't exactly walk off the national stage when she exits the Senate. I believe in Affirmative Action, I even am sympathetic to racial quotas. Women and minorities are still terribly underrepresented in America politics. That adds heightened urgency to every pick such as this one, but you can't redress every under represented wrong when one seat is being filled. We need more Black Senators, we need more Latino Senators, and more Asian American Senators, and more Gay Senators, and more Women Senators. Under represented constituencies can't afford to be get pitted against each other over figurative representational "crumbs." We need broad based coalitions to win racial and gender justice in America for all.

[Klaralven]

67. Harris doesn't "exit the Senate". She becomes the President of the Senate.

[Tom Rinaldo]

77. Exactly. I should have perhaps been more obvious n/t

[LovingA2andMI]

113. To BREAK tie breaking votes only....

n/t.

[Kid Berwyn]

34. I wanted Senator Swallwell.

From what I can tell, he’s a white guy. And I am a puertorriqueño living and working in Detroit. We’re both Democrats, and patriots, through and through. And Swallwell would hold the cretinous pukes to the fire.

I respect London Breed, but disagree with his thoughts on the selection. BTW, I’ve been to San Francisco many times and must say it’s a great town.

[Totally Tunsie]

76. "I respect London Breed, but disagree with his thoughts on the selection."

Last edited Wed Dec 23, 2020, 03:16 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm not sure I'm understanding this comment correctly. Are you referring to Gov. Newsom's "thoughts on the selection" or Mayor Breed's?

[Kid Berwyn]

128. Her thoughts.

Mayor Breed’s thoughts. No matter which Democrat, I respect their opinions.

NAZIs like Donnie Dipwad, not at all.

[Totally Tunsie]

129. Oh, OK, I thought so, but you used the masculine pronoun

and I couldn't figure out who it referenced.

"I respect London Breed, but disagree with his thoughts on the selection."

Initially I was going to respond that London Breed is a woman, but then I started doubting my interpretation of your comment and why I sought clarification.

Thanks.

ETA: Reading downward, I see littlemissmartypants also commented on same. Sorry for the duplication.

[Kid Berwyn]

130. Hiya, Totally Tunsie! Thank you.

It was my mistake. I misremembered what I had previously read.

I wonder what else I know is wrong?

[littlemissmartypants]

124. London Breed is a woman, fyi. nt

[Kid Berwyn]

127. Thank you, littlemissmartypants!

She can have her favorite for Senator, too.

[Budi]

35. London Breed's tweet PRAISING Alex Padilla as Newsom's choice. 🤔

So what the F is the Hill talking about?
Which is it? And who's stirring the pot of division, exactly?


London Breed
@LondonBreed
This is a historic day in California, esp for the Latino community. Congratulations @AlexPadilla4CA on your appointment to the Senate. We have a lot of work to do to advance the rights of immigrants & people of color in this country & I know you will be leading that fight in DC.
8:12 PM · Dec 22, 2020

Link to tweet

[jalan48]

41. Another source..

London Breed: Alex Padilla's Senate appointment 'unfortunate' and a 'real blow'

https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/London-Breed-Alex-Padilla-Senate-California-react-15822677.php

Maybe she realized it wasn't a good look for her, especially if she plans to run for higher office in the state?

[Budi]

47. And her own Tweet is what then?

You don't get to make statements so divisive without being questioned.. what the heck?


Explain the purpose of these 2 very opposing statements then.
It's confusing but this cannot help a future run.

'I'm on everybody's side or I'm on nobody's side'

Well, good luck Ms Breed.

[jalan48]

50. Who doesn't get to what?

[Budi]

54. Issue 2 very opposing statements without being questioned.

Its like 2 different people talking.

Whatever 🙄

[Caliman73]

78. She made the "disappointing" statement at a virtual gathering on Tuesday.

The tweet appears to have been made later.

One can assume that she may have rethought the situation or it was pointed out to her that the statement at the virtual event would not be taken well or look great.

[Budi]

81. Yup. Divisive statement to the press 1st, followed by a correction by tweet

Got it.

[Caliman73]

83. It happens to the best of us.

Emotions are powerful things. I can certainly understand how it would feel. The very first Latina woman in the US Senate was elected in 2016 and not from California.

That actually makes me pretty emotional given the history of Latinos (especially of Mexican and Central American heritage) in the United States.

[Budi]

84. Padilla's show of sincere gratutude shows a side we should see more of

Lead by example, because lord knows the country needs far more of that than what we've seen

Senator Padilla is such a perfect representation of that.
I can't wait to hear more from him.

[Caliman73]

85. He is the real deal.

He has been a relatively quiet, but tenacious and talented fighter for minority rights. He did a bang up job for California as Secretary of State. He, like Harris, and I am sure like many of the others on the list, is the embodiment of the American Dream. I just hope that He isn't primaried in 2 years as is being predicated right now, before he even takes office.

[Budi]

42. Reps Bass & Lee congratulate Alex Padilla

After Tuesday's announcement, both Lee and Bass were gracious and congratulated Padilla, who will become the state's first Latino senator.

"I congratulate Secretary of State @AlexPadilla4CA on his historic appointment to fill VP-elect @KamalaHarris’s seat in the United States Senate," Lee tweeted. "[Padilla] has a track record as a skilled legislator and a steadfast advocate for justice, and I believe he will be a powerful voice in the Senate for those who continue to be denied our country's promise of equality. I look forward to working with him on behalf of all Californians to address the economic and public health crises we are facing, and to create a brighter future for our state and for communities across the country."

"I want to congratulate Alex Padilla -- someone I've known dating back to when he served our city as the youngest-ever President of the Los Angeles City Council," wrote Bass. "... Today, our state gains yet another champion following a distinguished line of individuals who have shattered glass ceilings and hurdled obstacles in their way. After then-Senator Harris’s historic election in 2016 as the first woman of color to represent California, we now have another historic barrier shattered as Alex will be the first Latino to serve California in the United States Senate."

Appears all are grateful for Padilla's appointment, & recognize the historic benefit.

Rep Lee~
After then-Senator Harris’s historic election in 2016 as the first woman of color to represent California, we now have another historic barrier shattered as Alex will be the first Latino to serve California in the United States Senate

Thank You for seeing the bigger picture being laid out before us.

GRATITUDE

[LovingA2andMI]

107. Like they had any other choice....

For their politico future. If you think they did not want or desire the seat to keep an African-American Woman in the U.S., there is a bridge somewhere for sell.

Have a Lovely Day.

[Hekate]

114. Their "political future" is up to their individual districts

Just to be clear.

Also, good politicians who want to get things DONE, as opposed to grandstanding for the national press for a national audience that can’t vote for them, will congratulate a member of their OWN PARTY as the occasion arises.

[SMC22307]

43. So Hispanic males don't matter?

Hmm.

[BannonsLiver]

48. To London Breed they are the same as the white male, apparently.

[LovingA2andMI]

52. Attitude....

That famous word. So it begins...AGAIN...

Typicial.

[Budi]

58. And then there's CA's own VP Kamala Harris.

I'll support with the man who showed sincere gratitude & tears for his selection to the Senate by Gov Newsom.

America needs more representation of that human quality in the Senate.

Thank you Gov Newsom & congrats Senator Padilla.

[LovingA2andMI]

109. And she is the Vice-President Elect....

That is exactly what she is suppose to say. Others can speak on what she cannot say which is she would have as a AKA Soror and HBCU Grad would have LOVED another African American Woman to follow her in the U.S. Senate considering there will not be any African-American Woman representation after she leaves to become V.P.

She cannot say that but we will.

Have a lovely Day.

[Budi]

117. How do you know what she would say? An assumption in this case. Right?

Last edited Wed Dec 23, 2020, 09:19 PM - Edit history (1)

Senator Padilla is every bit a worthy person for this position.

Gratitude~ we need more of that & less of the opposite.

I don't belive for a second that VP Harris isn't pleased with Newsom's choice to fill her Senate seat.

See this? She genuinely embraced the decision & yes, they are friends.
This defies what some are saying to the press.

Link to tweet

[LovingA2andMI]

121. It's Not...

It's her job. Now have a WONDERFUL Day, again.

[BannonsLiver]

46. So we have black citizens angry that a Hispanic man was selected.

America 2020.

(Not surprised to find one particular poster up and down the thread stirring division.
)

[RobinA]

59. It's People

being people. Everybody wants as much of the pie as they can get. White, black, brown etc. No differences when it comes to pie. Pie is survival.

[BannonsLiver]

60. Yes, or to put it another way, humanity is a virus. Bill Hicks once said that. I tend to agree.

[RobinA]

64. I Do Not Agree

with the virus part. Pretty much the entire animal kingdom acts this way. See, now I'm picturing a planet of nothing but plants, but that doesn't work either. They fight among themselves too. Looking at you, creosote!

[BannonsLiver]

66. Ha!

Touché

[MineralMan]

51. Not a mistake. The Hispanic community in California

makes up 40% of that state's population.

[LovingA2andMI]

56. High 90 Percentile.....

Of African-American Women who voted, Vote for President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris. #High90thPercentile

We have long memories also.

[RobinA]

61. So When Newsome

runs for President 90% of black women will vote for the Republican to get back at him for Padilla. Although I doubt most of them would be that short-sighted.

[Budi]

70. No shit. Unless someone uses that shallow wedge as a campaign issue.

But that never happens
Right?

Sounds to me like Breed was the only CA pol that made it an issue.

Reps Bass & Lee were sincerely gracious at the "historic choices that will represent both Black & Brown" ethnicities in our Senate & in our White House.

Showed their gratitude in one statement & sincerely too.

[LovingA2andMI]

100. Like They Had...

Any other choice for their politico future. That's why others are speaking on their behalf. Duh....

[Budi]

62. Omg. So what then?

They won't vote for (anglo)Biden or (Black/Indian)Harris policies because Newsom chose a (Hispanic) Senator instead of an AA?

What are tge REAL reasons for this because for a demographic that campaigned on ethnic diversity now says what?

Just not THAT ethnicity? Or Else!

Breed sent out 2 opposing messages for the same event.
Which one is it?

Somehow her own Tweet doesn't match up with the 2 publications. Confusing? Absolutely.

London Breed
@LondonBreed
·
15h
This is a historic day in California, esp for the Latino community. Congratulations
@AlexPadilla4CA
on your appointment to the Senate. We have a lot of work to do to advance the rights of immigrants & people of color in this country & I know you will be leading that fight in DC.

[BannonsLiver]

71. So who you thinkin in '24?

Tom Cotton? Pompeo? Jr.?

That’ll show ‘em.

[Demsrule86]

89. Is that a threat against Democrats...what you are planning to help the GOP win or something?

Biden has no say in this and in two years anyone can run for Senator.

[Hekate]

112. Just out of curiosity, are you a Californian? & are you aware Biden has zero to do with this choice?

[treestar]

68. An AA woman is going to be VP

That's a lot bigger. And can't be enjoy the first Latino in that position? This is pitting minority groups against each other. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

[Retrograde]

69. 40 million people in California

leave out the non-citizens and those under 30 and there are conservatively 25 million people eligible for the single seat. No matter who gets chosen, a lot of people are going to be disappointed, especially those like Mayor Breed who supposedly were on the short list.

Democrats need to learn to think strategically - or at least more of them do. First, Newsom was not going to undermine Pelosi by pulling someone out of the House, no matter how "safe" their seat appeared: that seat would at best remain vacant until a special election in several months, cutting the already thin margin even finer. Second, whoever gets the seat will have to defend in in 2022, which suggests a candidate with a proven state-wide track record. As I've posted before, Padilla fits both of these criteria.

[Caliman73]

74. I completely understand the sentiment.

That said, California is the state with the largest population of Latinos in the country. Latinos represent the largest minority group in the US population. This will be the FIRST Latino Senator from California in our history.

While I will gladly stipulate that Black people in general and Black women specifically have had more difficulties in our society because of discrimination, I have to say that Latinos have not had an easy time here either.

I completely understand that it is a disappointment that a Black woman was not selected. I understand that it feels like a blow. What I am hoping is that there is no implication that the blow was intentional, dismissive, or demeaning.

My personal preference would have been for one of the many qualified Latina women like Lucille Roybal, Linda Sanchez, or Hilda Solis to have been chosen, but that is me being selfish.

[Politicalgolfer]

82. Well.....if we win both GA senate seats there will be a very active AA woman

..in the US Senate......in fact the most important AA or female or VP to ever cruise around inside the Senate chamber.....if you get my drift🙄

[maxrandb]

87. Let's work our asses off to win those 2 Georgia Senate seats

and Kamala Harris will be spending a ton of time in the US Senate

That's what I would call a "win-win"!

[Ilsa]

92. We can get there again from here.

Another Black senator and Jewish senator. Win-Win. Ossoff is a liberal who fights for civil rights. Both men are leaders. Sure, I wish one was a black woman, but we can get there from here.

[maxrandb]

122. We had a saying in the Navy

If the horse is taking you in the direction you want to go as fast as it can, there's no need to crack the whip.

[Hekate]

88. California's population is 40% Latino

[StarfishSaver]

93. The problem isn't that a Latino man was selected to replace the only AA woman in the Senate

The problem is that in 2020, there's only one African American woman in the Senate and her departure leaves people of color scrambling for the one available chair when the music stops.

That's the problem we should be talking about.

[Sympthsical]

95. I think Feinstein should retire

And then many fine candidates can have another crack at it.

On the plus side, Harris is now the President of the Senate. That’s something.

[StarfishSaver]

98. That is something but doesn't make up for the fact that there are no other black women in the Senate

It's not enough. Not even close.

[LovingA2andMI]

111. Not close...

At all. How long did it take after Carol Moseley Braun left the U.S. Senate to have Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate?

We will answer that....EIGHTEEN FREAKING YEARS --- Honorable U.S. Senator Moseley Braun left in 1999 and U.S. Senator Harris assumed office in 2017.

So the spitting the babies that are going on here in various areas (not this one) of this thread, are not working AT ALL.

[Sympthsical]

118. It's not remotely close

We can do a lot better and must work to do better.

The one nice thing about California is that our Democratic bench is very deep and very diverse. There are a ton of qualified black women who can and should run for the next open Senate seat. And should Feinstein retire early, then they and their supporters should lobby like the wind.

[Mr.Bill]

96. If we win both of those seats in Georgia,

A black woman will become the most powerful person in the Senate, breaking ties every time she goes there. And considering we control the House and the Presidency, she will be maybe the most powerful black woman in the history of US government.

[StarfishSaver]

97. That's still won't address the problem I raised

[a kennedy]

108. AND WE BETTER DAMN WELL WIN BOTH SENATE SEATS IN GEORGIA!!!!!!!!!!! eom

[Hekate]

103. Which other states besides California should Democrats be targeting in the coming year(s)?

Last edited Wed Dec 23, 2020, 07:48 PM - Edit history (1)

Because, seriously, every state only gets two Senators, and California’s population, at 40 million, is 40% Latino. We are now a “majority-minority” state. Yay, us. I’ve seen this coming for 30+ years, and my little raised-in-Hawaii haole heart is totally fine with that.

Senator Dianne Feinstein has served this state well, and lately there’s been some notable pushback from old Sacramento (the capitol) and San Francisco hands about this notion (addressed elsewhere in this thread) of forcing her retirement. George Skelton asked this: “There are 7 octogenarian Senators. Only 1 is a woman. She is the only one being told to retire before her term ends. Why is that?” I’m paraphrasing, of course. Skelton ran through her career, both the long-ago and the recent, and while he found things to disagree with, he didn’t find deficiencies.

The people of California will be addressing all of this — age, race, gender, political party — in our next election cycle. The Governor got a chance to make a one-man choice, though he consulted with many people. Unless Feinstein actually dies (gods forbid) the next choice should be up to all the voters in California. We have some great potential candidates. Yay, us.

In the meantime, how about all those other states? Who’s up next?

[StarfishSaver]

119. The fact that this question even needs to be asked makes clear the problem

Why in 2020 should anyone have to grapple with where in the country a black woman could be elected to the Senate? The fact that the answer to your question is not readily apparent is pretty conclusive proof of the continued existence of systemic and pervasive racism in America.

[Hekate]

120. So, my question makes me a racist? An unconscious racist? A deliberate racist? A stupid person?

Or, simply, a lifelong Democrat asking where are the likely places in this country to ELECT a black woman? Where should Democrats look to RUN a black woman for office?

Starfish, I seemingly wasted years of my life in the Affirmative Action trade explaining to skeptical white people that such a hiring practice was not a quota system.

So, where are we now? It sure is sounding like Kamala Harris’s soon to be vacated seat was supposed to be filled only by a black woman.

I’ll tell you two things:

I feel pretty stupid, and

the GOP is going to pour tons of money into California races — again — so as Ben Franklin said, “If we (Dems) don’t hang together, we will surely hang separately.”

[StarfishSaver]

123. How did you get that from my post?

I in no way said or even implied that you are racist

[LovingA2andMI]

110. Oh Lord...

Someone gets it. Thank You!

[pnwmom]

94. Diane Feinstein will probably depart next year, which will open up another slot. Right now

I think her replacement will be Karen Bass.

[Bucky]

106. An important step, the first male senator from California in a generation!

[NurseJackie]

115. You can't please everyone.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) called for Newsom to appoint a Black woman

Did she now? (Land!)

He will be the first Latino to represent California in the Senate.

That's reason to celebrate, isn't it?

[Cha]

116. VPE Harris Congratulates SOS Alex Padilla

Link to tweet

Hortensis

[Raine]

125. RIDICULOUS, he's a very good choice! Seems like there's always a professional

crepe hanger that gripes when they don't get everything their way!