General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhoever you choose, VP Harris, don't chill the youth vote!
We need them!
https://www.axios.com/2024/07/25/poll-harris-biden-trump-young-voters
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BeyondGeography
(39,745 posts)He has gotten a lot of traction with them lately with his media presence.
CrispyQ
(37,512 posts)Actually, I'll be happy with anyone she picks. It's gonna be a great ticket.
Sky Jewels
(8,465 posts)And he knows a LOT about revving up the young troops.
CrispyQ
(37,512 posts)Let's ditch the "we need an older white man on the ticket to win" thinking this election cycle!!
Nothing against the two older men she's considering, but a younger man or woman would demonstrate a true break from the past & change for the future. If we didn't have any stellar younger candidates I would say go with an older man, but we have several excellent younger choices!
We have a ton of fabulous younger dems & this passing of the torch is a good thing!! I was worried about the timing but it turned out A-OK.
hlthe2b
(104,704 posts)2 names for you from 2016 and 2020: BERNIE SANDERS (who captivated the youth vote despite being anything but youthful himself).
Age is on a spectrum. I've known 20-year-olds who act as though they were 90--both physically and mentally. Conversely, I have worked and known many in their 70s and 80s--even 90s who were so physically and mentally active most would bet they were decade(s) younger. Dr. Anthony Fauci is 83 (who I HAVE personally met on several occasions), runs almost every day, and yet had the most demanding schedule of nearly anyone during and after the peak of COVID-19. 'Never missed a beat and though he has recently left NIH-NIAID, is teaching, writing, and as active as ever.
So can we damn well judge the individual and not the number?
CrispyQ
(37,512 posts)I would like to see us break all the old patterns & that includes the thinking that we have to have an older white man on the ticket to win.
hlthe2b
(104,704 posts)![](/emoticons/thumbsup.gif)
Happy Hoosier
(8,038 posts)Many very fine Democrats are older white men.
It DOES bother me that some here want to discount very good canidates based on that.
I'm an older white man. What am I? Chopped liver?
Yes, we want to appeal to the "youth vote." We should not do that by disregarding people because of their race, sex, and age.
hlthe2b
(104,704 posts)Are you serious?
Trump-Vance are already on the way to bringing back the 3/5 compromise (google it with the Dred-Scott decision, youngsters) for women--while they will be monitored to ensure strict prosecution if they suspect that missed period was an illegal abortion-- given we are no longer fully free humans in their eyes. Vance believes child-free women (and presumedly men) should not have their votes counted equally--if we get to vote at all. Today it has been shown that he likewise advocates for child-free adults to be TAXED MORE (so, you think that's going to help you afford a house, Gen Xers Gen Zers? Much less pay to have a child? ) They want to (and already ARE IN PROCESS TO) dismantle any college loan relief. Think you are young and healthy and won't mind them returning us to the bad old days when insurers could refuse you due to a predisposing medical condition? Think again. And none of that even delves deeply into Project 2025.
But, heavens, Kamala. Don't dare chill the youth vote by picking someone not "cool." Do you really think younger voters are that shallow and ill-informed and yes, childish? I certainly have more faith in them than that.
I'm not advocating against any of the discussed "front-runners"--all who have their varying strengths and benefits. In this, Harris would do well to decide based on their strengths brought to the ticket, sure, but even more so, how comfortable is she working with them and relying on their counsel and support. I'll trust her judgement.
LeftInTX
(28,736 posts)Obama chose a 67 year old white man. It didn't hurt him.
JohnSJ
(94,629 posts)choice that will help us the most, especially in those critical swing states, with someone who agrees with her on most of the issues.
For example, she isn't going to choose an anti-choice VP as her running mate.
I suspect there are a certain number of people within that "youth vote" that are not particularly happy with her views Ukraine-Russia or on the Israeli/Palestinian conflicts.
In other words, she will choose someone who is mostly aligned with her views domestically and internationally.
Pragmatically, she might choose someone who has extensive experience in getting legislation passed, and dealing with foreign affairs.
It will most likely be someone to complement her administration.
CentralMass
(15,421 posts)TwilightZone
(26,868 posts)She's already going to draw younger voters. It's not necessarily to select a VP just for that reason.
With a few notable exceptions, most voters don't care about the VP choice as much as many seem to believe.
Nanjeanne
(5,380 posts)considering is a doddering old fool. She doesnt need to pick the you best person. She needs to pick the person who champions what the youth care about with the energy and excitement they can get behind.
After all JD Vance is mighty young. But not a good pick I think we can all agree.
polichick
(37,356 posts)Just a week ago, many were dispirited - now theres hope.
The youth vote could be chilled in a number of ways, by choosing someone who
-isnt strong on climate change
-or, isnt strong on inclusivity, equality and justice
-or, was seen to be harsh regarding protestors last spring
-or, is much older that Kamala
-or, thinks anyone is above the law
-or, would stand in the way of reforms that make our govt more democratic
OneGrassRoot
(23,308 posts)I think they would love Pete (as would I). They would turn out in HUGE numbers and, more importantly, STAY engaged. I think that's more important than courting undecideds and independents who need an older white guy to "balance" the fucking ticket.
polichick
(37,356 posts)radius777
(3,767 posts)Not that old, but not too young, is an xtian white guy with an impressive bio and wife Gabby Giffords. He would obviously help to lock down AZ and NV, possibly helps in GA. Not sure how helps in Rust Belt, but it may.
OneGrassRoot
(23,308 posts)I was thinking 1) pro gun control and 2) astronaut = pro science
He might be the best all-around pick as far as playing it safe with a straight white guy
ScratchCat
(2,248 posts)nm
OneGrassRoot
(23,308 posts)publicly yet. Swifties knew the assignment and ran with it. 🙂
Im hoping Beyonce and Taylor will make an appearance, even if via satellite, at the convention.