To the Editor:
Re “How Biden Should Pick His Running Mate,” by Richard Moe (Op-Ed, April 25):
Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all chose the person they thought best to help them govern and be president if the occasion arose. Indeed, all their V.P. picks did go on to become their party’s presidential nominee or presumptive nominee. This year, that person could well become the first female president.
Another approach is who might tactically help the ticket in the Electoral College, which rarely happens. Could Kamala Harris or Stacey Abrams attract more people of color beyond what Joe Biden (plus Mr. Obama’s campaigning) could? Could Amy Klobuchar additionally help in swing Midwest states? Would Elizabeth Warren best energize millions of young, disappointed Bernie Sanders voters? Quién sabe?
Let’s assume that 2020 is a big turning-point crisis election as in 1932, given the triple threats of President Trump, Covid-19 and an imploding economy. Then there’s a clear favorite who’s shown herself “ready to be president.”
Senator Warren has proved to be an unusually competent, smart, visionary, empathetic, accomplished policy leader. She’s shown herself to be at Kennedy-Clinton-Obama levels of emotional intelligence, I.Q. and communications skills. With Joe Biden embodying the we’re-all-in-this-together ethic, Ms. Warren can fiercely prosecute the case against a G.O.P. ticket.
Why not the best?
Mark Green
New York
The writer was the first New York City public advocate and is co-author of a book about Donald Trump called “Fake President.”
To the Editor:
Richard Moe argues that Joe Biden ought to choose competence to govern over political appeal. Mr. Moe is right to prioritize governance. Donald Trump is redefining presidential ineptitude in crisis leadership, the country remains polarized despite the pandemic, and a vast job of reconstruction and healing will have to occur once Mr. Trump leaves office.
At 78, Mr. Biden would be the oldest inaugurated president by eight years. His vice president might have to take over. Sometimes succession has produced presidents approaching greatness — Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, in domestic policy Lyndon Johnson. But imagine the alternative possibilities — a President Agnew, Quayle or Cheney.
This year there is a person who fits both of Mr. Moe’s criteria — a woman who “can significantly bolster Mr. Biden’s ability to govern” and help him carry an “important region.” She is Amy Klobuchar.
John Broesamle
Ojai, Calif.
The writer is emeritus professor of history at California State University, Northridge, and the author of “How American Presidents Succeed and Why They Fail: From Richard Nixon to Barack Obama.”
To the Editor:
Re “Pressure Rises for Biden’s Pick to Be Not Only Female, but Black” (front page, April 25) and “Let’s Emerge Stronger,” by Susan E. Rice (Op-Ed, April 29):
May I suggest Susan Rice as Joe Biden’s running mate? She is highly experienced in both national and international affairs, having been both ambassador to the U.N. and national security adviser.
She is highly educated, speaks beautifully and has the breadth of experience we sorely need in our leadership positions. She possesses dignity, a rare quality these days, and could easily step into the presidency if need be. She would bring gravitas to the vice presidency and would be a great partner on the ticket.
Leave the wonderful women senators in the Senate where we desperately need them.
Francie Williamson
Eastham, Mass.
Source: Elections - nytimes.com
