The Vice President Pick
by Christine Merser
We are days away from the announcement of who Kamala Harris chooses as her Vice Presidential running mate. Many people have spent this last week testing the waters to determine who will best bring the presidency to the Democrats in November. Polls, caucus conversations, strategists putting together white papers, and people reading and tracking the conversation of ‘We the People’ on social media. Lots of time.
Action Item: When the candidate is announced, click only on the articles discussing what he or she believes, what he or she brings to the ticket, and his or her history in life and politics. Do not ask, “Why? Why? Why? Did we lose our minds?” It will be hard not to click on the clickbait and the MAGA headlines they want the mainstream news outlets to pick up. Remember, we have been programmed to do that, but by doing so, we are feeding the news $$-driven dictation of what will be news.
When my sisters and I were young, my father asked us to tell him where we would like to go on vacation. I was crushing on Bob Reid and had no time for that. My sisters didn’t weigh in either. The year before, we went to an island in the Caribbean for an amazing week of sun and snorkeling and books on the beach.
A week later, he announced we were going to French Lick, Indiana, to a spa. Like for old people. Five hours away by car, in which we would all be riding. We were stunned and outraged. Outraged, I tell you. He said that perhaps next year, we would take more interest in where our lives were going. When someone gives you options that will greatly affect your life, consider them. Point made. Horrible trip.
This is the time to post positive ideas for your pick for VP. This is the time to make your choices heard. And, when it’s announced, it’s time to get behind it. If you cannot do that authentically, keep your online mouth shut with the goal of winning in November foremost on your mind. Second guessing and clicking on serotonin rushing stories to make your head spin, will not give him or her the same lift off that Harris has enjoyed.
When it was announced that Harris was Biden’s pick, we saw an amazing change in our political environment. All kinds of grassroots growth toward supporting her. Those who were not on her team before; well, they sure are now. And most importantly, it’s working. Really working. Winning possibility working. I tend to think that it was partially due to relief. We might have a chance. I can compromise to have that amazing, selfless man step down. I will take his choice and make it work.
She is no John McCain giving up Joe Lieberman, his first choice, because women were going to vote for Obama in growing numbers. Find a woman. Quick. How did that work out? That is not how Kamala is doing this.
She is doing a great job under unbelievably difficult circumstances. Days to vet and pick a VP? Hundreds of phone calls to make every day. Speaking engagements. Off the cuff remarks that don’t turn into deal breakers. I’m in awe. Truly.
Let’s do the same thing we did for her for whomever she calls forward to serve our country as Vice President. Speak now, or forever hold your peace.
Oh, and please forward to others. Or text or call them. Let’s get the mainstream media to cover the news.