We know Joe's VP will be a women, but how to balance the ticket? On what principle?

[andym]

The ticket is typically balanced on geography. However, in reality the ticket should always be balanced on helping to gain voter blocks that the candidate doesn't attract as well.

So which voting blocks did Biden have a weakness with during the primary?
African Americans? NO. Women? NO Latinos (Somewhat), Younger voters (less than 45) (Yes).

Basically those younger than 45 according to the well documented "age gap" in the primary. Joe's running mate should be someone who can increase turnout and enthusiasm among younger voters--maybe not the teens to 20'a crowd, but those 30-45 who vote more reliably than the 18-29 demographic.

In these troubled times, there is another key qualification, Joe has to pick someone who is viewed as experienced and competent enough to take charge in an emergency.

[cilla4progress]

1. Totally been thinking along these lines.

Does Harris fit the bill? Is she seen as progressive enough? I don't know if Bernie supporters are enthused about her?

I think the ticket needs youth, competence, and racial / gender diversity.

[evertonfc]

2. It will a much younger woman of color

POC saved his ass. Not picking one would be a real slap in the face

[Turin_C3PO]

6. I agree with that.

[question everything]

3. Definitely keep geography in place

Biden is an East Coaster so Harris is out. We need someone from the middle.

Someone who will be in a lockstep with his ideas. So, again, no Harris, no Warren. Someone who, if called, will be able to immediately continue with Biden's ideas and will not try to sneak own agenda.

[Turin_C3PO]

7. Stacey Abrams would be good.

I think Harris is still an option. African-Americans saved our asses from disaster so we should definitely pick an African-American woman.

[FailureToCommunicate]

4. So, do you have anyone in mind that fits that criteria?

I was initially for Kamala Harris in the Primary, so I'd be happy with her. But you don't think Biden needs help with African Americans. I think she appeals to a MUCH broader group then just that voting group, would excite the younger voters (and maybe help them get out and vote?) and would clearly be ready to become President, if the time arose.

[Basic LA]

5. A woman with a STEM background...

...preferably in Medicine.

[thesquanderer]

8. I did a poll relevant to this at...

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287657338

[andym]

9. I didn't specifically mention the left

but the idea of balancing with a progressive advocate is another good point.

[Hortensis]

10. Biden wants an assistant president and friend who will

be to him what he was to Obama, able to take on a full portfolio and run with it.

The conservative Republican party still has a very hierarchical structure and ideology, rule from the top, and their VPs are still expected to attend funerals and helicopter to golf dates. Thus choosing people like little Danny Quayle who checked the boxes for advantageous home state, white skin color and male gender makes sense.

But our egalitarian Democratic Party has advanced with the times. Our are chosen for their desire and ability to do important work, not go into semi-retirement or posture at appearances in Nancy Reagan-style devotion.

And, of course, being a spare who is genuinely capable of being a good president has always been important, but with the oldest potential president in history that ability has a spotlight on it. But that means the spare should be someone who would fulfill what the electorate voted for. Used to be the VP could even be from the other party to "balance" and get support of some faction.

For all these reasons I like letting our presidential candidates choose their workmates and potential replacements, and decide on what balance will work overall.

[Dem4Life1102]

11. Ideology, geography, demographics

[pinkstarburst]

12. Want vs need

#1--the VP must be ready to president on day one.

#2--If we're looking in terms of shoring up Joe's weaknesses with voters, he has a problem with voters under 45. But he can't just pick any candidate who "appeals to people under 45." Voters under 45 for the most part tend to be highly progressive. He needs a choice like Warren, who is the leading female progressive voice in the party and a national figure to bring those votes in. If he wants young, progressive voters to turn out in November, he has to give them a reason.