Harris's VP?

[Gunnar]

Besides all that, he can even speak Norwegian, along with several other languages.

That's nice. But what good is that to a German guy like you, Herr Gunnar?

Ich bin kein Deutscher!

by the way, what do think of what I added to that post while you were in the process of answering it?

I believe being conversant in languages other than English, though not a necessary prerequisite for election to public office, can be a valuable attribute even for American public officials, especially those on the national level who interact occasionally or frequently with foreign nations. Knowing other languages tends to enhance understanding and appreciation of not only of people of other nationalities, but of one's own native language as well.

[Jersey Girl]

That's nice. But what good is that to a German guy like you, Herr Gunnar?

Ich bin kein Deutscher!

by the way, what do think of what I added to that post while you were in the process of answering it?

I believe being conversant in languages other than English, though not a necessary prerequisite for election to public office, can be a valuable attribute even for American public officials, especially those on the national level who interact occasionally or frequently with foreign nations. Knowing other languages tends to enhance understanding and appreciation not only of people of other nationalities, but of one's own native language as well.

I agree with the above! It not only elevates the ability to communicate, it shows an interest, respect, and affection for other cultures.

These late night exchanges make me wonder if anyone actually sleeps around here and think about how long we've been doing this! It's off to bed for me!

Gute Nacht, mein freund!

[Gunnar]

I agree with the above! It not only elevates the ability to communicate, it shows an interest, respect, and affection for other cultures.

These late night exchanges make me wonder if anyone actually sleeps around here and think about how long we've been doing this! It's off to bed for me!

Gute Nacht, mein freund!

Sí, buenas noches, amiga mía, Også god natt, min venn.

[Kishkumen]

with regard to Mayor Pete. It's disturbing that some of this country is so backward and lacking critical thinking skills. Pete Buttigieg is sharp as a tack, extremely well educated, is recollection of facts and figures is astounding, he can deliver an opposing viewpoint without offending, and if you didn't know he was gay...you wouldn't know he was gay. And what's that got to do with anything anyway? There are plenty of gay persons they probably interact with regularly and they don't know they're gay because...they don't know.

So they'd be opposed to a gay VP candidate when on the other side the front runner is a philandering book cooking rapist. I mean, felon.

Agreed. It really saddens me. Mayor Pete is exactly the person I think should be in the Oval Office behind the Resolute Desk. I watched Kamala the other day on the Bulwark, my new favorite YouTube show. They were gushing about Kamala's recent speech, so I thought, "Hey, this is good news! Maybe she is finally showing some oomph!" I watched, and I ended up with a "meh." The tactics were all there, but the delivery was not. Hillary looks more authoritative than Kamala. There is something about her that just lacks in the authoritative presence department, for all her other manifest talents.

Mayor Pete? That guy oozes firmness and authority. I don't think it is a gender thing. I don't think it is a gender-preference thing. Some people project authority, and others do not. In the current situation, Trump oozes authority unless you analyze what comes out of his mouth. He has the physical tokens of authority without the mind and oratorical skill to back it up. He opens his mouth, and nothing rational comes out. Well, his empty insistence on him being right and the best does conform to his demeanor, but that is not rational.

But people key into authority on a visceral level. It is not rational. Remember the test that asks people to pick political winners based on a brief look at their photos? They often pick the winner without knowing anything else about the person. Democrats tend to believe we are evolved from apes, but then they fail to apply that knowledge when it comes to conducting political campaigns, and that is why they often lose. Republicans are the opposite: they feign belief in God creating Adam and Even and shoving them in an idyllic garden, but their political calculations are as ruthlessly cynical and scientifically accurate as amoral atheists (not saying most atheists are amoral).

[Xenophon]

I’d look at Jon Ossof in order to try and pick up a southern state, and break the GOP stranglehold over them. He’s smart, understands how to talk through the media, he beat an incumbent for his seat, and could potentially bring some middle of the road people over to Harris.

- Doc

Of all the suggestions I've seen I don't think I've actually seen Ossof come up, like at all. I admit I'm not terribly familiar with his record but on paper it seems a reasonable choice for rounding out the ticket.

My preference on Kelly are for a few reasons:

• Has won bigly twice in critical electoral state.
• Has a strong public image on border security, an angle that Harris will be attacked relentlessly on.
• May be one of the best democrats I know of in terms of speaking on gun control/violence in a way that keeps both sides engaged.
• Combat Vet and Astronaut, hard not to like his story and he brings a ton of poise to everything he does.
• Has real experience dealing with the fallout of political violence and can speak well to that.
• Hobbs would get to fill his seat and I trust her explicitly in that matter.

[Moksha]

My preference on Kelly are for a few reasons:

• Has won bigly twice in critical electoral state.
• Has a strong public image on border security, an angle that Harris will be attacked relentlessly on.
• May be one of the best democrats I know of in terms of speaking on gun control/violence in a way that keeps both sides engaged.
• Combat Vet and Astronaut, hard not to like his story and he brings a ton of poise to everything he does.
• Has real experience dealing with the fallout of political violence and can speak well to that.
• Hobbs would get to fill his seat and I trust her explicitly in that matter.

Stephen Colbert plugged Kelly last night and pointed out that he is a former astronaut who completed four successful space missions. While he might not be as smart or as much of an asset to Democratic campaigning as Buttigieg, at least he is straight (and that would keep Utah from seceding from the Union).

[Xenophon]

Stephen Colbert plugged Kelly last night and pointed out that he is a former astronaut who completed four successful space missions. While he might not be as smart or as much of an asset to Democratic campaigning as Buttigieg, at least he is straight (and that would keep Utah from seceding from the Union).

Emphasis mine. I think you've got a terrible read on Kelly if you think this is the case. They can both be highly qualified candidates with ton to offer their party without having to beat each other up.

I like Buttigieg quite a bit, but my personal take is that there are better candidates specifically for rounding out a Harris ticket.

[Doctor CamNC4Me]

You do make solid points, X.

Also, thinking outside of the box.. perhaps DJT can be her veep?



- Doc

[Kishkumen]

My preference on Kelly are for a few reasons:

• Has won bigly twice in critical electoral state.
• Has a strong public image on border security, an angle that Harris will be attacked relentlessly on.
• May be one of the best democrats I know of in terms of speaking on gun control/violence in a way that keeps both sides engaged.
• Combat Vet and Astronaut, hard not to like his story and he brings a ton of poise to everything he does.
• Has real experience dealing with the fallout of political violence and can speak well to that.
• Hobbs would get to fill his seat and I trust her explicitly in that matter.

I would be very happy with Kelly as VP.

[Xenophon]

You do make solid points, X.

Also, thinking outside of the box.. perhaps DJT can be her veep?



- Doc

If I was him I'd take the offer. He wins either way, right?