Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he will choose his Vice-President next week. Other than that bit of news, the former VP has remained pretty tight-lipped about his VP search. But, an AP photographer captured Biden’s handwritten notes with California senator Kamala Harris’ name at the top along with five talking points about her.
The five talking points: “Do not hold grudges,” “Campaigned with me & Jill,” “Talented,” “Great help to campaign” and “Great respect for her.”
The photograph was taken at Biden’s speech in Wilmington, Delaware as he delivered remarks on his ‘Build Back Better’ plan and comes one day after a Politico report in which Sen. Chris Dodd, a senior member of Biden’s vetting team expressed concern over Sen Harris’ lack of remorse, “about her ambush on Biden in the first Democratic debate.” She criticized Biden for working with segregationist senators and his opposition to busing.
“Vice President Biden, I do not believe you are a racist, and I agree with you, when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground. But I also believe — and it’s personal — it was actually hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country. “It was not only that… There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools and she was bused to school every day. That little girl was me.”
Sen. Kamala Harris’ attack on Biden in the Democratic presidential debate.
The attack hurt Biden both personally and politically. Harris is a close friend of the Biden family for years and had a good relationship with Biden’s son, Beau Biden before he died. It also took a huge chunk of support from Biden who was the frontrunner at that time in the primary.
So what does all this mean?
Biden could have simply had his notes ready in case a reporter asked about Sen. Harris, in his first public appearance since Politico published that story. There is no doubt that the California senator is one of the candidates being seriously considered for the role of Biden’s running mate, a top contender even. But, as mentioned earlier the Biden campaign has been keeping their cards close their chest when it comes to his VP choices.
For all we know, this could simply be a tactic to change the headlines surrounding Sen. Harris following the Politico article.
I try not to read too much into this and rush to the conclusion that it’s definitely Sen. Harris. Even though I’m hoping that it will be her, a piece of paper with some talking points does not offer conclusive proof that it is. I’m sure VP Biden would have done the same if Politico or any other news outlet had run a hit piece critical of any of the other talented women he’s considering for the VP slot.
Joe Biden said he’ll announce his VP pick next week until then, let’s wait and see.
(Photo: Andrew Harnik, AP)
