The Unlikely Decision: Why Joe Biden Chose Kamala Harris as His Running Mate
Joe Biden's decision to nominate Kamala Harris as his running mate in the 2020 U.S. presidential election was both a strategic and controversial choice. While some question the fit of Harris, who was criticized for her performance in the presidential debate, the motivations behind Biden's decision are multifaceted and deeply rooted in political and demographic considerations.
Political Pressure and Demographic Shifts
The decision to choose a woman of color as vice president undoubtedly stemmed from a complex web of political pressures and demographic shifts. One significant factor was the need to address potential defections within the Black community. Historically, Black Americans have been a crucial and loyal voting bloc, but in the 2020 election, many were considering supporting potential Democratic candidates who could better represent their interests and concerns.
The Deals and Influences
Biden committed to appointing a woman of color as his running mate in exchange for the support of powerful Black Democrats. This decision was not motivated by Harris’ qualifications or her sparkling personality, which were subject to scrutiny. Her vice-presidential candidacy was, in many ways, a strategic move rather than a testament to her political acumen. For instance, Harris was the first candidate to be rejected in the Democratic National Committee (DNC) primaries, garnering zero electoral votes in the process. Moreover, her time as Attorney General of California and in the Senate saw staff leave due to her management style, described as “soul-destroying.”
Symbolic and Strategic Benefits
Beyond the strategic alliance with Black Democrat support, the choice of Harris served a symbolic and PR-centric purpose. Her presence on the ticket aligns with Biden’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, a key component of his campaign platform. The combination of racial and gender diversity was seen as a way to broaden Biden’s appeal and address the concerns of marginalised groups. Being half "black," Harris was a reminder of the diverse nature of Black America, which encompasses multiple experiences and perspectives.
The Aftermath and Criticism
The decision to name Harris as his running mate has been met with a mixed reception. Some critics argue that she should not have been chosen due to her underwhelming performance in the presidential debate. However, it is important to consider the broader political context. Biden’s handlers, particularly John Joyce and other close advisers, were instrumental in ensuring that Harris's name appeared on the ballot. They likely believed that the symbolic benefits of having a diverse ticket far outweighed the short-term political fallout of a potentially weak debate performance.
In conclusion, Joe Biden's choice of Kamala Harris as his running mate was driven by a combination of political pressure, demographic shifts, and strategic considerations. While Harris's selection remains a topic of debate, it is clear that her presence on the ticket was designed to strengthen Biden's political coalition and project an image of unity and inclusivity that resonates with a diverse electorate.