The Real Race
Yesterday we discussed the choice of U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California as the Democrat’s vice presidential nominee. Immediately after the announcement, Vice President Mike Pence welcomed her to the race and reminded everyone of when the one vice presidential candidate debate is to be held.
But some are framing the race not as Biden vs. Trump and Harris vs. Pence…but Harris vs. Trump. Here’s why.
Leaving rumors about Joe Biden’s cognitive ability alone, a majority of Americans surveyed this month say they don’t believe he will live long enough to serve a full term. Beyond that, Biden has intimated that he might well only serve one year, since he would be 78 when he begins a first term. By comparison, Ronald Reagan was a month shy of his 78th birthday at the time he left office after two terms.
So to some, the issue is who you want to be president sooner than later…Trump, or Harris in succeeding Biden.
There’s no way to make a debate of that match up, of course. And the role of the vice presidential candidate is often to be the one on attack, to make the hard assertions and leave the person at the top of the ticket above the fray. This time, however, Harris’ jabs will be seen as much more of a one-to-one attack than those of her predecessors in the role.
