One reason I think there are strong feelings with the VP selection [View all]

[pinkstarburst]

is because there seems to be this overwhelming sentiment among some that whomever is chosen as VP is automatically "next in line" to be president. I see this posted all the time on DU. With Kamala Harris, there were numerous posts about how no way could someone else be put on the ticket because the base wouldn't stand for someone taking her rightful place in line. (This is not a dig at Harris, btw. I am thrilled that she is the candidate, she is the best and only candidate, and I love the current energy. This is simply to reinforce my point that there is a lot of this sentiment going around.)

The situation with Biden was unusual and not likely to be repeated. But I think one reason some many feel strongly about Harris's VP pick is because does it lock us into another 16 years of having no say in who our democratic candidate for president will be? To me, it feels that way. If (God willing) she wins in November and serves her 8 years, will there be calls of (her VP) is next in line, and how dare anyone primary them because if you primary X, it's anti-Semitic, or it's ageist, or anti-LGBT? As a voter, I want to get to vote. I want to have my say. I think it's important that whoever is chosen, we have a full primary the next time around and we get away from thinking that the VP (chosen by one person) is automatically the next nominee. The voters need to decide.