Don't count out Duckworth in Biden VP race

[left-of-center2012]

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (a former U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and Thai-American) represents something close to Biden’s heart: She’s an American hero. The Illinois Democrat, a veteran who lost both legs in the Iraq war and received the Purple Heart, is on Biden's shortlist. And some in Bidenworld who know the former vice president well say Duckworth is exactly the kind of partner who is well-suited to the former vice president.

Anyone who knows him well knows what the United States military means to him,” said one confidant. “And the fact of the matter is, she doesn't just check the boxes, she has an incredible story and it represents not only who the vice president is at his core but the narrative he's been talking about since his campaign began. You could very easily see why she’s in contention for this job,” the confidant added.

Sen. Dick Durbin, the senior senator from Illinois, said he supports Duckworth being named Biden’s running mate, and added that he has told this to Biden’s team. “She’s an incredible story, life story,” Durbin said in an interview. “Disabled veteran. Amazing determination. Who’s remade her life and now serves in the Senate. She is a symbol of success for the disability community. She has a lot of things going for her,” the senator added.

Biden and Duckworth got to know each other after she introduced his late son, Beau, at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. She continued to grow closer with both Biden and his wife, Jill, when she worked in the Obama administration as an assistant secretary in the Department of Veterans Affairs as the Bidens became involved in policies and issues concerning veterans.

Duckworth was named the most effective freshman Democratic senator in the 115th Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking, a partnership between Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia. She got three of her 45 sponsored bills signed into law in the last Congress, including the Veteran Small Business Enhancement Act of 2018, which allows veteran-owned small businesses to receive surplus property owned by the federal government.

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/509882-dont-count-out-duckworth-in-biden-vp-race

[Amishman]

1. In my mind she is the best and safest pick

She is well spoken and a true American hero. Trump can't attack her without doing significant damage to himself. She would also bring a very new and different perspective to the White House

[Thekaspervote]

2. +1000

[Demsrule86]

10. I think she will be the one.

[Aristus]

3. I'm not sure I agree that attacking Tammy Duckworth would harm Trump.

His supporters don't care about someone else's military service. And they never have. At least not when the veteran is a Democrat. For a Democrat nowadays, being a veteran is a liability in a campaign, not an asset.

The GOP, long known, rather amusingly, as the "party of patriotism", has done everything it can to hamstring decorated Democratic veterans. If Audie Murphy ran for office as a Democrat, the repukes would call him, "that short little farm kid who was rejected by the Navy and the Marines", and call his staggering number of decorations "stolen valor".

Look what they did with John Kerry.

Note how they never acknowledge Jimmy Carter's service as a nuclear submarine officer.

With Senator Duckworth, they won't mention her horrific injuries other than to echo Trump's disgusting view that being wounded means you were a bad soldier.

They'll dump on her for being Asian. They'll dump on her for being a woman. They'll dump on her for being an Asian woman. And if that doesn't get any traction, they'll form "Helicopter Veterans For Trump" or some shit, and disrespect her service with all the sleaze in their power.

[ebbie15644]

4. It would do harm with his military support and

draw attention to the Russia bounties on our soldiers

[Demsrule86]

9. Yep...she can destroy Trump with the bounty on vets...and remember both of Biden's sons

served in the military. She has a great story...

[Demsrule86]

7. Well all the choices are women...and dumping on a Vet who was injured will

hurt Trump ET AL...and she is not from China you know his favorite nemesis...any person will be attacked. I think the attacks on Tammy are less likely to work than the attacks on others.

[StevieM]

13. Actually, she is of Chinese ancestry, so we can count on Trump's racism to be out in full force.

That should not be held against her though. Trump is going to drench this campaign in all kinds of racism. We have to take him head on.

Tammy Duckworth would make a great running-mate. I hope that Biden chooses either her or Susan Rice.

[Demsrule86]

15. She is of mixed ancestry...very American if you ask me. Her Dad was a Vietnam Vet.

He Mom was of Chinese ancestry but native to Thailand.

[MFGsunny]

6. FWIW (just my opinion) - I agree with you on BOTH best and safest pick! n/t

[obamanut2012]

14. she is my fav pick

[Demsrule86]

16. I have seen no baggage either.

[dutch777]

5. She's good but not sure she is the best

I certainly honor her service and her sacrifice but I think compared to Harris and Rice, other than her military service and heroism, I don't think she currently is the best VP pick. I recently saw her interviewed about Trump's use of government law enforcement in quashing demonstrations and her language was imprecise and points poorly made. Biden can do enough of that on his own, he needs a Number Two that is on her game, pointed and precise in debates and off the cuff interviews. I think Duckworth is an up and comer but just not ready for VP level prime time.

Now, for Defense Secretary or Ambassador to the UN, let's talk Duckworth. Especially as the former I could see her cut through the waste at the Pentagon with no BS and free up $$$ for education, housing, health care and other needs.

[Demsrule86]

8. Tammy is on her game. And I am more and more convinced she will be VP. I see serious issure

with many of the others.

[MineralMan]

11. I am eagerly looking forward to Joe Biden's announcement

of his running mate choice. I'm equally eagerly looking forward to an end of endless numbers of posts about potential choices.

It is Biden's decision to make, and I'm fully happy to accept whomever he chooses and to support the ticket enthusiastically.

[Baked Potato]

12. Good article, it's refreshing to read Senator Duckworth's story.

Of course, decisions are always up to those running, and I enjoy keeping up to date on the process and procedures of politics. Never tiring to read opinions and see and discuss options of candidates. She would be great, I’m sure.