Joe Biden Will Interview Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth as Potential Vice Presidential Pick

[fishwax]

Source: Newsweek

Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth is under consideration for Joe Biden's vice presidential pick, according to Illinois' other senator Dick Durbin.

On Friday morning, Durbin said, "I support Tammy Duckworth. She's spectacular, a great colleague and I hope that she fares well in this interview, which I think is going to take place soon." Durbin did not specify on details of the interview.

Former Vice President Biden officially began the search process of selecting his running mate on April 29, who he pledged would be a woman.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-will-interview-illinois-senator-tammy-duckworth-potential-vice-presidential-pick-1504481

[dawg day]

1. I like her--

Sensible, personable, intelligent.
Injured veteran, pilot!, Asian-descent, mother of young children.

And... a senator from a state with a Democratic governor, so her resignation won't doom our chances of taking the senate.

[Fiendish Thingy]

32. Choosing Warren wouldn't doom a Dem majority

MA legislature can change the law to require Gov. to appoint Senator from same party (they did it before), and they have a veto proof super majority.

As awesome as Duckworth is, Warren is a better choice in so many ways, including fundraising.

[FailureToCommunicate]

62. We've been over this so many times. It isn't gonna happen.

(And, yes, I'm from Mass, and worked with her on her campaign, so it's not about anything to do with her.)

[Fiendish Thingy]

63. What isn't going to happen?

Joe won’t pick her? I wasn’t weighing in on that possibility, only that choosing Warren as VP doesn’t risk a Dem senate majority.

[FailureToCommunicate]

64. Hmm okay. Sounded like you were. And yes, picking her does risk a seat. It's been

thought about intensely by political operatives far more savvy then me, and the risk IS there no matter how Blue the state seems to be. It would be some time before special elections were called to a redo.
So, that may be a dream we have to let go.
Warren will be great whatever position she ends up in in the new administration.

[Fiendish Thingy]

65. We must listen to different experts

All the writers I have read, the ones aware of MA’s history as well as the current supermajority legislature, say there is little to no risk to picking Warren as VP (Scott Brown only won because his Dem opponent was incredibly weak and unpopular).

If Warren isn’t the VP pick, I wouldn’t want her in Joe’s cabinet, I’d want her as Senate Majority leader, seniority be damned.

[Demsrule86]

75. I am not convinced...and I strongly disagree. I like Warren but there is a GOP in her state thus

she can not be VP.

[Fiendish Thingy]

77. There is a Dem super majority in legislature

They have changed the rules in the past to require Gov. appoint a senator of the same party. Nothing would stop them from doing so again.

The “risk of losing senate majority” is not a valid argument against choosing Warren.

[Demsrule86]

79. Governor appoints the Senator...and then there is an election...I well remember Scott Brown.

Also Warren brings us no extra states.

[Fiendish Thingy]

80. Legislature can force Mass. Gov. to appoint a Dem; Brown only won because opponent was weak

And unpopular- wouldn’t be an issue in a special election this time around.

The myth of a VP Warren costing the Dems the senate is just that - a myth.

Two recent polls show Warren is first choice for VP among Dems by double digits. Warren is tied with Harris among Black voters. All other possible VP’s are far behind.

Warren brings a massive grassroots fundraising machine, and would energize the entire progressive electorate, regardless of whether she could “deliver” any particular state. Other than Abrams maybe giving the ticket an edge in Georgia, I have seen no evidence that Warren weakens the ticket’s current lead in swing states.

[Demsrule86]

83. I dont agree . And we need states like Arizona. She won't help in

mid western or western states.

[Fiendish Thingy]

84. What is your evidence for that opinion?

Nationwide polls show Warren is Dem voters first choice for VP.

[Blue_playwright]

85. Yup and she has some clout with Bernie folks

And people like me who think Joe is to much to the center and wanted a progressive.

[Demsrule86]

74. No, can't take a chance.l

[Renew Deal]

2. Was Durbin supposed to say that publicly?

[PatrickforO]

10. Maybe. You never know with these surrogates.

Biden has plausible deniability on the whole thing, but maybe he's watching to see which way the wind blows. He was on Lawrence O'Donnell with Stacey Abrams just a couple days ago, and from his thoughtful looks while she was answering questions, he's definitely considering her for something too.

Abrams is outstanding.

I like Duckworth too. No one can ever question her dedication to this republic or her courage. She'd be a good pick, I think.

[riversedge]

3. I don't think I have heard her mentions as a potential vp before. But I miss a lot.

[fishwax]

11. I'd never really heard it either

until I saw this article ... but seeing it now I'm surprised that there hasn't been more speculation about it.

[Renew Deal]

15. She has been on some top 10 lists

It's not hard for her to end up there. She's a senator with experience.

[Jeebo]

4. I'd rather all the sitting Democratic Senators would stay where they are.

It's very likely going to be nip-and-tuck whether we're going to be able to retake the Senate. I hope Biden will pick his running mate from somewhere else. Stacey Abrams, or Susan Rice, or Katie Porter, or Michelle Obama, if she can be persuaded to run. Any one of them would make a TERRIFIC Vice President, or President-in-waiting. But I feel extremely uncomfortable about messing around with the Senate seats we've already got. That could conceivably cause us to lose the Senate majority by one vote.

-- Ron

[qazplm135]

6. Harris would just be replaced by another Dem

so no issues there.

Obama and Abrams aren't qualified. Rice maybe, Porter is great but no she's not quite there yet either.

Harris or Warren are the obvious choices, Harris moreso if you want a woman of color and a safe Senate seat. Nationally vetted, proven on the debate stage, ready to take over at a moment's notice. It's a really a no-brainer.

[PatrickforO]

14. I really like Porter. But, allow me to play devil's advocate for a moment:

You say Obama, Abrams and Porter are not qualified. But, no one really is. Oh, we say they are, but when the awesome responsibility is on a person's shoulders, they either stand tall like Barack Obama did or scrunch up into a little orange mean-spirited troll like Trump.

What is it to be qualified? Perhaps the desire to serve, not to self-aggrandize. More than a couple of brain cells to rub together. Energy and presence. The ability to think on one's feet. The ability to rise above fear. A thick skin...

It's a long list, and not all proven until under fire.

I do like both Harris and Warren, and to my mind it is certain the way will be open for the VP pick to run for what would be Biden's second term were he younger. But Biden would be 79 going in in '21, and 83 going out in '25. That's old. There's no getting around it. Biden may not even make it through his first term, so his pick is one of the more important VP picks in our history.

For myself, I think Warren. But I do like Duckworth and Harris.

[qazplm135]

21. sure they are

Do they have experience running a national campaign? Do they have executive experience? Have they spent time in Congress understanding the legislative process? Have they been vetted on the national stage in some way?

You don't necessarily need all of these things, but the more you have, the more experience and qualifications you have.

Harris has it three of four as does Warren. Porter has one. Abrams and Obama have none. All of them have a desire to serve, intelligence, energy, presence. There are literally millions of people who have those things. Harris and Warren have some extra things that make them more qualified. They have also been doing it longer. Porter has been a congressperson what two years? Abrams has yet to win a statewide campaign. Obama has never held a political office.

Now, are they all better than Mike Pence? Fuck yeah. But I don't even know you and I'd bet my life savings that you are better than Mike Pence too.

People are going to REALLY value experience this time around for the very reason you state...Biden is hella old, and there's a reasonable chance, God forbid, he doesn't make it through his first term. They will want someone who is ready to go. I'm sorry but that's not Abrams or Obama or Porter. It is Harris or Warren.

[BComplex]

26. Warren would make sure that Barr and trump and the gang go to jail.

She would also help the economic recovery 100%. Economics is her sandbox, and she rules there. Harris did a few things as Atty Gen. in California that I didn't like at all. And...she whines. Sorry. But she does. I'm glad she's on our side, but she wouldn't do well as VP.

Michelle Obama would rock everyone's world! I'd love to see her in that position as well as Warren. Sadly, I just don't think she'd agree to it.

[qazplm135]

27. you don't like Harris because of what she did in the debate

she whines? Come on. Biden clearly is over it, because he realizes it was just business, nothing personal. And he knows the value of Harris better than you or I do, or else she wouldn't be in the final consideration group.

She'd be a great VP. Warren would as well.

And let's end the fantasy of Barr or Trump going to jail. Trump will fight any charges until he dies...which one assumes ain't that far away.

[BComplex]

68. You didn't read my post.

I said I didn't like some of the things she did in California as atty gen., not what she did in the debates. She was ok in the debates. Her style is not one that is appealing to me, and she was trashed more than once on DU back when she was atty general in california because of a few decisions she made, and positions she took.

But Joe Biden isn't a great communicator. He's a great guy and all, and at the end of the day I'm good with it that he's our candidate, but he needs to toughen up if he's going to go toe to toe with trump.

[calimary]

71. It would actually be a powerful gesture of magnanimity on Biden's part.

To pick Harris - the one who gave him shit during the debate?

To reach out to her and invite her onto the ticket? HUGE!!!

Letting bygones be bygones, acknowledging her ANYWAY because of all her capabilities and readiness to lead. AND she's already got a track record of winning statewide elections, including for the Senate.

She's a person of color.

She's brilliant.

She's quick-witted and nimble-minded.

She's a powerful and effective speaker. I remember her announcement speech. Driving home from a visit to family in another state, I was actually moved to tears as I listened. Riveting.

She'd make mincemeat out of the pathetic Mike Pence in a VP debate because she's a former PROSECUTOR.

And she photographs well. A piddly little quality in the larger sense, but looks are important. Lopsidedly important. Unreasonably important. Superficial as all-get-out. But it matters. ALL OF IT matters.

[mcar]

60. She whines?

Really? Is she shrill too?

[BComplex]

67. I didn't realize some people think whining is a female trait.

Sorry... Do you not know that men/boys whine too?

[oldsoftie]

50. I dont get the fascination with Abrams. She's won a state House seat. Thats it.

While picking her MAY get you GA, which is a semi red state, I doubt it gets you much else.

BUT..... I think Michelle Obama would give Biden a big win and trump a BIG loss. She's also said she doesnt want it. Cant blame her.

[highmindedhavi]

82. Thought I was the only one who thinks this!

smart

[moosewhisperer]

9. No worries in IL

Chicago would definitely carry a Dem to replace her. Duckworth would be an amazing choice.

[Proud liberal 80]

13. Just like Obama was supposed to replaced but a Democrat

[Progressive Jones]

33. Everything you said, and as an Illinoisan, I'm going to be selfish about Sen. Duckworth. LOL.

We like her a lot, and we need her here as a Senator from Illinois.

She would, however, make for a good VP.

[DFW]

48. I met her 14 years ago

It was at the annual National Emily's List gathering in Washington, where they were introducing some of their new candidates. It's where I met both Tammy and Amy Klobuchar, both of whom I liked immensely.

[sheshe2]

5. Fact.

There is so much brilliant talent out there for Biden to choose from.

In the end I believe that if women are in charge, they might just save us. Biden's pick is an important one. She will be the next step for our first woman President. I know he will choose wisely.

[PatrickforO]

16. I think Biden's pick WILL be the first woman president.

Let's hope so, because I agree with you. About saving the republic.

[sheshe2]

19. Thanks.

I don't have a solid preference yet. Anyone of them would be spectacular and they all will persist.

I do believe a woman as President can help right our course.

[Scalded Nun]

7. I really would like to see Stacey Abrams

She would really fire up the ticket.

[PatrickforO]

17. If he chose Abrams, I believe he'd carry most of the South.

But, lots of great women out there - Duckworth is fine. Warren, Rice, and Harris.

[Tikki]

8. YAY...she is Spectacular.

Tikki

[onetexan]

43. DOYBLE YAY!!!

[Bayard]

12. AHA!!

She was my pick a month ago!



I think Biden has something else in mind for Abrams....

[PatrickforO]

18. I suspect a cabinet position.

Buttigieg, too.

[Bayard]

20. He's be a dandy Chief of Staff

[onetexan]

44. Oh that would be amazing!!!

Yes to Mayor Pete for Biden's CoS!!

[qazplm135]

24. for Abrams...

she needs to go ahead and challenge Kemp in 2022.

Win the governorship. Then use that to run for President.

[Chitown879]

22. He could kiss the black women vote good bye

If Duckworth is the VP.

Duckworth has DONE NOTHING for the black community in Illinois. Don't be fool by this. She only won because the democratic party would not support the black female candidate.

[moriah]

29. I think it's a little unfair....

... to judge a primary that includes a sitting Congresswoman against ANY other candidate in a Senate race. 2016 was a three-way primary and between her, the black male candidate, and Andrea Zapp, she got a 61% majority. Because she had more name recognition statewide from being a Congresswoman.

Also, to be honest, I think most black voters are pragmatic. They knew Trump was bad in 2016, he's demonstrated just how awful he is, and so whoever Biden chooses as VP will not matter as much as the fact Trump blows whole herds of farm animals.

Just my opinion, though.

Welcome to DU!

[Thekaspervote]

30. I'm from IL and don't agree.. certainly the chatter on twitter thinks she would be a great pick

[oldsoftie]

51. Fine. If they'd prefer 4 more years of trump. Because thats what they'd be supporting.

This "take my ball & go home" bullshit is ridiculous.

[frazzled]

23. She does make a lot of sense

She’s sort of got the whole package: experienced congressperson and senator, a veteran with a Purple Heart, daughter of a US veteran and an immigrant mother, member of the disability community, a recent mother, and (perhaps most important), a Midwesterner.

She looks like the Democratic Party, and she looks like America. She has a story, and stories sell in politics. And she has a record of accomplishment: on the battlefield, as head of Veterans Affairs in Illinois, and in Congress.

I think she would be a real asset.

[left-of-center2012]

25. YES !!!

[murielm99]

28. She is my Senator.

I have known her since before she was elected as a state rep. She worked as the head of the Illinois Department of Veteran's Affairs and spoke at an Illinois Democratic Women's convention when I first met her. She came to an event we held in Freeport IL, and she actually remembered me.

Our governor JB would appoint someone worthy to Duckworth's seat if she was chosen. Cheri Bustos might be a good choice. I liked Bustos as a possible future Speaker of the House. But there are some other fine choices for that spot. I saw some of them at the impeachment hearings. Appointing Bustos as Senator could solidify that Quad Cities area for Democrats. Bustos wins her elections, but that area went for trump in the election.

Duckworth would be a great choice.

[Progressive Jones]

34. I don't think the Quad Cities will be going for Trump so strongly this time around.

Trump may do ok, but he's made enemies out of some of his base.
Old School Republicans (non Tea Party types) can see the light.
They're turning on him because he's turning them off.

On a smaller scale, we may see the flip side of the "Reagan Democrat" in November.

[murielm99]

42. Do you live in the Quad City area?

I have some Democratic friends there.

Cheri Bustos has been mentored by Durbin since she was a kid. She used to babysit for his children. I still like her as a replacement for Duckworth, if she is Biden's running mate. Biden will win Illinois without a doubt, so maybe Biden has to choose someone else. We will see soon.

[Progressive Jones]

81. No, I'm in Kane Co. I have people in the Quad Cities area. They are GOP, but hate Trump. nt

[DFW]

49. I think Cheri Bustos would make a good future speaker, too.

I have never met her in person, but have spoken to her on the phone a few times. She seems aware and hard-working. I'd take her either in the Senate or as a Speaker-in-training.

[lunasun]

31. Of all the candidates for VP, I would look forward to her debate with Pence the most

Based on her run against Kirk

[moriah]

35. Based on her Senate performance, too.

I know Biden will choose a candidate to fill any perceived "weaknesses" in his own campaign.

Any of the wonderful Black Democratic women would help give him a unique perspective, but one thing that Duckworth does is increase his appeal to people concerned about military leadership -- and she's relatively young in comparison.

Still, I do get those who would rather not yank Senators out of office for the Presidency -- we need to flip the Senate, and the 2010 election where we lost it showed us that yanking too many Dems isn't a good idea wrt the Senate.

[GETPLANING]

36. Susan Rice

[B Stieg]

37. A TRUE Patriot...

She was born in Bangkok, but her parents trace their ancestry to the American Revolution!

[cate94]

38. I wish he could pick Warren

He can’t. They are both from the east coast. Generally east coast presidential hopefuls go for southern or midwestern VP’s. Harris is smart, funny and from a safe seat, Duckworth is brave Smart and from a safe seat. Both would be a great pick. I like Stacey Abrams but I’d like her to have more experience. To tell the truth, whomever he picks, I’m going to support them 100%. He could pick my dog Goldie, (she’s Midwestern) A dog would be a better pick than Pence.

[Joe Mauriceovich]

39. What about Oprah?

I mean, his mind is already on Illinois, so.....

[murielm99]

41. Oh, please.

[oldsoftie]

52. Hey, why not? People have shown they'll vote for a celebrity

[Lefta Dissenter]

54. And we all see how well THAT has worked out! (N/t)

[Botany]

40. She's the one

[bucolic_frolic]

45. Well that would get under somebody's bone spurs

[oldsoftie]

55. HA!!! May cause a flare up!

[yellowcanine]

73. Yes, as she coined the term "Cadet Bonespurs" for Drumpf.

She is no shrinking violet, that's for sure.

[RDANGELO]

46. good national security credentials

If anything happened, she would be ready on day one.

[NurseJackie]

47. She's an interesting choice.

Last edited Sat May 16, 2020, 08:56 AM - Edit history (1)

Whoever Biden chooses will be the first female US President.

[DFW]

56. If Ted Cruz can run after being born in Canada to a Cuban father

I don't see how they could make noise about Tammy being born in Thailand to an American father who was also a vet.

[NurseJackie]

61. Yes, I know. That's why I reconsidered and edited...

... before you replied.

[raccoon]

53. I think she'd be a great running mate. Nt

[not_the_one]

57. Only if he and she can guarantee that a democrat will win her senate seat.

We need to keep every senator we have. Senators are now more important than the VP seat.

[totodeinhere]

78. Her replacement would be named by the Democratic governor. But of course there could be no absolute

guarantee that the seat would remain in Democratic hands after the next election. Illinois is a blue state but Republicans do win statewide elections there on occasion.

[SKKY]

66. I like Tammy Duckworth. A lot. But, I'm still Kamala's ride or die.

[ananda]

69. I like her!

She would be a great running mate!

[Javaman]

70. She's great but can't be VP

Last edited Sat May 16, 2020, 11:59 AM - Edit history (1)

She was born in Thailand

On edit

Her dad was US Army. So maybe she was born in a US. Base.

And do both parents need to be born in the US to be eligible for Prez,

[yellowcanine]

72. I think her father was a U.S. citizen.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tammy_Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth was born in Bangkok, Thailand, the daughter of Lamai Sompornpairin and Franklin Duckworth. Her father, who died in 2005, was a U.S. Army veteran who traced his family's American roots to the American Revolutionary War.[5] Her mother is Thai, of Chinese descent.[6]

She appears to have deeper American roots than Drumph, if that matters.

[Demsrule86]

76. No. Cruz was born in Canada and his Father was not a US citizen. Tammy would be great.