Kamala Harris Endorses Joe Biden (finally)

[PunkinPi]

Link to tweet

@JoeBiden has served our country with dignity and we need him now more than ever. I will do everything in my power to help elect him the next President of the United States.

ETA (tweet from her husband, Doug Emhoff)

Link to tweet

I hereby endorse ⁦⁦@KamalaHarris’⁩ endorsement! Really excited to do whatever I can for ⁦@JoeBiden
⁩@DrBiden and Team Biden to take our country back.

[Dem4Life1102]

1. One week too late

[Pachamama]

5. Never too late...

This is great news and it’s terrific and there she is in Alabama and is there helping Biden!!!!

[Dem4Life1102]

11. Would have been more useful before the

California primary.

[Fla Dem]

49. I doubt many Bernie voters would have switched to Joe Biden just because Kamala endorsed him.

Would have needed at least 150,000 voters to change their mind.



Further, a large percentage of votes cast in Ca are mail in votes, which is why they are still counting. So probably a lot of those votes were mailed in before the Super Tuesday elections.

ELECTION 2020 BY BEN CHRISTOPHER PUBLISHED: MARCH 5, 2020
Far from over: California still has more than 3.5 million ballots to count
But this afternoon state officials published their first estimate of how many ballots are left to be counted.

In a state that holds an “election month, not election day” — where results will trickle in for weeks to come, sometimes flipping the outcomes of tight elections in the process — this is an election nerd’s landmark. It also gives us a few more clues about the final shape of California’s various primary contests.

According to estimates published by county election registrars, as of Thursday night, there are 3.5 million ballots left to count. (The Secretary of State’s office showed a count of about 3.3 million, but that did not include the latest updated numbers from Los Angeles County.)
https://calmatters.org/blogs/california-election-2020/2020/03/california-ballot-counting-delay-millions-to-count/

Yes she could have done it anytime after she dropped out in late 2019, but Biden's viabilty was not at all certain until after Super Tuesday.

So I too am glad Kamala Harris has endorsed Joe Biden,

[Dem4Life1102]

58. True

But It could of helped with undecideds.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

78. I understand her hesitancy!

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[USALiberal]

13. WTF? nt

[tishaLA]

28. She and Sen Warren are very close

and I'm guessing she held off endorsing in deference to that friendship. Nonetheless, I'm surprised by the lack of graciousness among those who feel the endorsement should have come according to their timetable rather than Sen Harris'

[Dem4Life1102]

30. Not my timetable

but the timetable of the primaries. Doing it a week after the California primary is useless.

[tishaLA]

32. Thank you for calling the endorsement useless.

As I was saying about graciousness....

[Dem4Life1102]

34. Sorry

But that is the reality of the situation.

[nolabear]

76. Actually it's not at all.

Kamala is now free to stump for Joe, to mend fences, to bring another powerful female voice ol back into the campaign. She and Amy are a bloc. My dream would be for Liz to join them and do an appearance together. It would have incredible power.

[Dem4Life1102]

77. Still not the same impact

as endorsing before the California primary.

[brush]

55. 2 days before mini Super Tuesday is useless? Please.

[Dem4Life1102]

59. 5 days after her home state primary is

[loyalsister]

63. Unless someone is trespectful and classy, I guess

I think it demonstrates a respect for the voters that she would avoid endorsing before the voters in her state make their voices heard.

[Dem4Life1102]

65. So you're saying that Jim Clyburn wasn't being respectful

and classy by endorsing Biden before the voters in his state made their voices heard?

[loyalsister]

68. I'm saying Kamala Harris chose a position that respects voters who share her values

but have a different view on candidates in her state over trading political favors for a specific candidate for her own benefit. I think Jim Clyburn knows the voters and temperature in his very conservative region and acted accordingly.

[Dem4Life1102]

70. Sorry You can't have it both ways

Either Clyburn was being disrespectful or he wasn’t.

[loyalsister]

71. California and S. Carolina are worlds apart culturally and politically

Different politics = different strategies.

[Dem4Life1102]

74. Don't change the goal posts

If Harris waiting until after her state’s primary, instead of before when it would have some impact was being respectful of voters than Clyburn was being disrespectful as was Klobuchar, Buttigieg, Gretchen Whitmer and Barbara Boxer, all of whom endorsed before their home state’s primary.

[loyalsister]

81. Nuance

Flexibility and not operating as if one knows all the answers is a strength that reflects a rejection of privilege. The culture of South Carolina is extremely hierarchical and expertise of elected officials is interpreted as a positive. If Clyburn embraces his privilege, that is certainly his right and he has earned it.
Not everyone would want to or can live in that world. As someone who lives on the margins of the mainstream, I am glad that there are people and places who do respect those of us who are not as privileged.

[Dem4Life1102]

88. Stop spinning

And if this is about respecting the voice of the voters, how come Harris didn’t endorse Sanders who won the California primary instead of Biden who is coming in second?

Sorry but you’re argument defies logic on every level.

[loyalsister]

89. Her endorsement registers as one of a voter who happens to be from California

and an office holder rather than one of a party leader trying to tell people who voted for a different candidate that she knows better because of her status. It's a respectful position for her to not try to influence the people she serves as a Senator from CA.

[Dem4Life1102]

90. Please stop the spinning

You can’t have it both ways either every person who endorsed before their state’s primary was being disrespectful of voters or not. You can’t have one set of rules for for Harris and another for everyone else. That is just being a cultist.

And if it is about respecting the will of the voters she serves then she should have endorsed Sanders not Biden.

[loyalsister]

92. Context matters

to thinking people.

[Dem4Life1102]

93. So does Logic

And fairness, applying the same rules to everyone. Not one set to make excuses for the politician who you like and a different set for everyone else.

[loyalsister]

97. It's not about rules or what you want

All politics is local and contextual. Clyburn and Harris both took valid positions. If you are having a sad because someone doesn't worship your choice enough, that's your own problem.

[Dem4Life1102]

98. Worship

is making up excuses for the politician you like while having a different standard for everyone else.

[loyalsister]

99. It's only an "excuse" if it is something that is so wrong it requires apology or forgiveness

She did what she thought was appropriate and does not need to be "excused." Carrying a political grudge over not getting your way does nothing positive for your candidate.

[Dem4Life1102]

100. Holding everyone to the same standard is not a grudge

Especially since I’m still undecided.

Having one standard for Harris and another for everyone else is making excuses.

[loyalsister]

101. I am not applying a standard

They are people who made the decisions they thought were best. They have their reasons and I respect that.

[Dem4Life1102]

103. Yes you are

Please don’t deny that.

[loyalsister]

105. I don't understand why you are bullying me on this

Two different office holders with two different constituencies handled their public comments differently, so what. Grow up.

[Dem4Life1102]

107. Not bullying anyone

Just holding everyone to the same standard. If you don’t like it stop responding.

[deurbano]

57. No, women have to abandon loyalty and principles and just shut up and get a man elected...

even in the primary. We hosted Harris texting parties at our house, then turned to Warren. I seem to remember my daughter saying that Harris' husband appeared to be a Warren fan (on Twitter or something). Maybe Harris stayed out of it so as not to hurt either one. I assume she personally preferred Warren, and there has been a lot of talk about Harris as Biden's veep, so if she actually wants to be veep, not endorsing Biden before Warren withdrew is a sign of integrity (as opposed to pandering). Some Biden supporters (I am now an extremely disappointed and reluctant supporter of Biden in the primary, but will enthusiastically support him against the MAGAt King) are starting to impose the same purity tests and bullying behavior online that Warren supporters previously experienced from some Berners. Like, if we don't immediately feel the joy of "ride'n with Biden" we must support putting babies in cages. (I saw that on Talking Points Memo). From the other side, we're accused of wanting to kill sick people. I will do what I can to get Biden elected in the general and I understand how we got here, but I'm not happy that two women I consider way more qualified than either remaining old white guy are out, and that I may never see a woman president in my lifetime. I don't have to be won over to Team Biden (I'm already there), but for others, graciousness (as you put it) about former candidates they may have preferred is a more winning strategy. (Also, we're not MAGAts; I now have to accept a candidate I find very flawed-- but less flawed than the remaining "Democrat" and infinitely more qualified than the White House squatter-- and I will shut up and do it for the greater good, but I am not capable of abandoning all critical thinking in the process.)

[LizBeth]

79. Right.

[radius777]

83. Agree, just reported on CNN that's what they said

Kamala didn't want to go against Warren as long as she was still in the race.

[Jose Garcia]

29. This is by design

[LovingA2andMI]

47. It Was on HER TIME....

Deal with it!

[Dem4Life1102]

60. Unfortunately her time

was after it would have had any impact in her home state.

[brush]

54. Finally? 2 days before mini Super Tuesday seems to be timed just right for...

maximum impact.

[Dem4Life1102]

61. Maximum impact

would have been before the California primary.

[brush]

62. Perhaps. But they're still counting in California and Sanders' lead is narrowing.

Tuesday's results, with prominent endorsements helping, should finish him off.

[Dem4Life1102]

64. Her endorsement won't affect the counting

and won’t have the same impact outside of her home state.

[brush]

67. Think positive. It's almost over. Then we go after trump. Warren hasn't endorsed either.

[Dem4Life1102]

69. True

but Warren dropped out after her home state primary.

[padah513]

2. I like her

But always waiting to see which way the political wind is blowing before making a decision is kind of wishy-washy.

[Pachamama]

4. Kamala Harris "wishy washy"?

That’s no way to speak about the future VP and President of the United States....

[beachbumbob]

27. agree. I hope Biden comes out and release a short list in near future

[Baitball Blogger]

41. LOL!

I would be alright with Kamala Harris on the ticket.

[LovingA2andMI]

48. Wishy-Washy???

Are you serious?

[beachbumbob]

3. too bad not a couple weeks ago, may have impacted on california vote

the day after the SC win would have a perfect time.

[Pachamama]

8. The California Vote is doing just fine and the ballots being counted still and the margins

...narrowing....

With the Bloomberg, Klobuchar and Buttigieg endorsements and now Kamala Harris, it’s safe to say California will give Biden enough delegates as he continues his momentum on his road to the nomination....

[tman]

6. Good news. People need to stop whining.

[Lucid Dreamer]

43. Some people just can't stand good news.

I'm happy to see the Harris endorsement.

[MustLoveBeagles]

95. Thank you

Personally I'm grateful she endorsed Joe. I don't give a shit about when she did it.

[honest.abe]

7. Super!

I did wish it was done in a more flashy way like a big rally somewhere. But regardless its great!

Kamala was my first choice.

[PunkinPi]

21. She was my first choice too! nt

[BigmanPigman]

25. Me three!

[SilasSouleII]

53. Me quad!

[stonecutter357]

9. K&R

[Duppers]

12. Yay!

[PunkinPi]

20. Woot, woot!

[ucrdem]

14. Good on Kamala!

[UncleNoel]

15. Great news! So now where is Corry Booker?

[djacq]

16. Thank you Kamala!

Wouldn't be surprised if Senator Warren gives her endorsement to Joe Biden.

Maybe Julian Castro as well.

[NYMinute]

17. yayyyyyyyyyyyyy

Joe/Kamala or Biden/Harris 2020!!
Either way they are stronger together & can't be bought!!!
Jump on the Biden Bandwagon & abandon the revolution!!

[PunkinPi]

19. Love your sig. nt

[Gothmog]

18. Yeah

Link to tweet

[IronLionZion]

22. Kamala Harris for the people

Was there ever any doubt? Her policy positions throughout her career have always been closer to Biden's than Sanders.

[bucolic_frolic]

23. Keep the bandwagon rolling week by week

[helpisontheway]

24. If she meant it she would have done it last week. Biden was

right there in CA. I hope Biden remembers that when it is time to choose a running mate.

[Iggo]

33. Wow.

Here we go again.

[helpisontheway]

35. Oh and also she basically called him a racist during the debate. Biden needs to choose someone

that has his back like he had Obama’s back.

[Iggo]

39. Party Unity now...or it's our ass in November.

You get me?

[onetexan]

51. K&R

[PunkinPi]

40. Joe doesn't hold a grudge, unlike some.

[Celerity]

102. I think you are forgetting the 2008 primaries (which is directly comparable to the 2020 primaries)

in terms of controversial things said, but then overcome enough for Obama to pick Biden, just as Biden could well do with Senator Harris.


Biden Unbound: Lays Into Clinton, Obama, Edwards

02/05/07

https://observer.com/2007/02/biden-unbound-lays-into-clinton-obama-edwards/

snip

Mr. Biden is equally skeptical—albeit in a slightly more backhanded way—about Mr. Obama. “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy,” he said. “I mean, that’s a storybook, man.”


snip

Biden's Launch Pad Disaster

https://web.archive.org/web/20070208030943/http://news.yahoo.com/s/realclearpolitics/20070131/cm_rcp/bidens_launch_pad_disaster

Senator Biden's official entrance into the 2008 contest is not getting off to an auspicious start. Matt Drudge smacked him hard with this brickbat:

SEN. BIDEN SHOCK INTERVIEW: 'I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy'...

But of more concern to Biden's hopes for success in the Democratic field are these comments from some of the most powerful bloggers on the left.

Josh Marshall:

At this point you have to say that Biden suffers from what one might with real generosity call chronic racial grandpaism. That is to say, the penchant for making comments that are not only racially offensive but also extremely silly and the sort of things that are sometimes excused or at least passed over from men, say, over 80 on the reasoning that they're from a different era and why get into it. Actually, the clock has probably even run out on that excuse when you figure that a man who is 80 today was forty in 1966. But however that may be, excuses that fly in the retirement community or family reunions just doesn't cut it in a man who aspires to the presidency...... Biden's mouth presents a clear and present danger to Democratic electoral prospects no matter what he meant. Ending his candidacy wouldn't be preemption, just legitimate self-defense.

snip

[DrToast]

37. This is so gross

[gollygee]

104. +1 n/t

[MrsCoffee]

38. He isn't gonna satisfy your little vendetta.

She will likely be his VP pick.

Start getting used to it now.

[warmfeet]

26. Biden/Harris would make a great ticket. Just saying.

[DrToast]

36. She's at the top of my list

I like Abrams too, but I think it’ll be more important than ever to have someone ready step into the Presidency in a worst case scenario. I think Harris fits the bill there.

[Bettie]

31. "Finally"? What, she owed him something?

I supposed women are supposed to do as they are told.

I remember how the Biden people around here talked about how awful she was because she wasn't deferential enough to him and yet, now, she's supposed to bow down and worship him.

Women don't owe men anything.

[PunkinPi]

46. I couldn't agree more, "Women don't owe men anything"...

I said "finally" because I was excited that she did after much speculation. She didn't have to do it at all and I'd be fine with that too.

BTW, Senator Harris was my first choice since the day she announced and it took me a while after she dropped out to support Biden.

[loyalsister]

106. +1000

Every word this.

[SayItLoud]

42. In the news cycle it's better (IMO) having the drip drip drip of endorsements.

Vs a tidal wave that will make headlines one time and be displaced by tRUMP distraction tactic.

[brush]

56. Exactly, 2 days before mini Super Tuesday is just right.

[liberalmuse]

44. I see her as VP.

But I’m usually wrong about this kind of thing. I like her a lot.

[Dem4Life1102]

66. Demographically she makes a lot of sense

Geographically not so much since California is a solid blue state.

[tavernier]

45. I don't think he has offered or she expects.

They are both letting this process play out in quite an organic way, compared to the calculations and back room deals that run the other party.

Joe needs to be able to find his best fit, and his short list candidates (of which I’m certain Kamala is one) need to feel that they can be supportive to his administration.

Shoulda woulda coulda... it’s an entirely different ballgame now.

[Gothmog]

50. Look at all of the US Senators who have endorsed Joe Biden

Link to tweet

[PunkinPi]

52. Impressive list.

Thanks for sharing, Gothmog!

[SiliconValley_Dem]

72. Weird timing for her endorsement

[PunkinPi]

73. Not really, she was waiting for Elizabeth Warren to drop out.

The California senator had been giving space to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who remained in the race until Thursday, but once she exited the race, decided to move forward with the endorsement of Biden.

source --> https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/kamala-harris-endorses-joe-biden-9th-rival-back/story?id=69466662

[Cha]

82. Thanks for that, Pi.. makes perfect sense!

[PunkinPi]

84. Yes, it does. She was trying to be respectful of Senator Warren and her supporters.

You're welcome, Cha!

[Cha]

87. I'm thinking Elizabeth appreciates it, too.

Aloha!

[BidenBacker]

75. The headline shoulda read...

Future Vice-President endorses future President.

[robbedvoter]

80. OK, I am on board now!

If Kamala is. And for whomever said "too late" - I am in NY - an upcoming primary. So, don't even @ Kamala!

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

85. Great

[betsuni]

91. K&R

[Julian English]

94. This is a big win for Biden n/t

[lees1975]

96. A sign that she's high on the list

to be the vice presidential nominee.