Joe Biden’s Historic Pledge: A Woman Vice President for 2020 and First Black Woman to the Supreme Court
In a pivotal moment during the March 15 Democratic debate, former Vice President Joe Biden made a definitive and historic commitment: if he secures the 2020 Democratic nomination, he will select a woman to be his running mate. This bold declaration set a new precedent in the ongoing presidential primary race, assuring voters that a Biden presidency would usher in the first female Vice President in United States history.
At 77 years old, Joe Biden found himself locked in a tight contest with Senator Bernie Sanders, 78, as the Democratic primaries progressed. Despite the intense competition for the nomination, both candidates were already looking ahead to the general election and considering their potential tickets. It was during a discussion centered on women’s rights at the Washington, D.C., debate that Biden solidified his stance, stating unequivocally: “I commit that I will, in fact, pick a woman to be vice president. There are a number of women qualified to be president tomorrow. I would pick a woman to be my vice president.” This promise resonated deeply, highlighting his intention to build a diverse and representative administration from the outset.
Senator Sanders, when pressed on the same issue, offered a less direct answer, indicating that while it would happen “in all likelihood,” he refrained from making an outright commitment. Biden’s definitive pledge immediately set him apart, emphasizing a clear vision for an inclusive executive branch and signaling a strategic move to energize a significant portion of the Democratic base. The significance of this promise cannot be overstated; it addressed long-standing calls for greater representation at the highest levels of government and acknowledged the wealth of qualified female leaders within the Democratic party.
Biden’s Historic VP Pledge: Breaking Barriers and Building a Strong Ticket
The role of the Vice President is multifaceted, serving not only as a successor to the President but also as a key advisor, a legislative liaison, and a critical component of the campaign trail. For Joe Biden, selecting a woman as his running mate is more than just a political maneuver; it represents a tangible step towards breaking historical barriers and reflecting the diverse fabric of American society. The United States has never had a female Vice President, making this commitment a truly groundbreaking moment in its political history.
Biden’s promise immediately sparked speculation about potential candidates, especially given his recent endorsements. He pointedly praised Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren‘s policies during the debate, signaling respect for her progressive platform and intellectual rigor, even though she had not yet endorsed him at that specific time. More directly, two prominent former presidential candidates who recently threw their support behind Biden — Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and California Senator Kamala Harris — immediately became frontrunners in the public imagination. Their diverse backgrounds, policy expertise, and experience on the national stage make them compelling choices, each bringing unique strengths to a potential Biden ticket.
Potential Running Mates: A Deep Dive into Key Contenders
The pool of highly qualified women available to serve as Vice President is extensive, offering Biden a rich array of choices. Each potential candidate brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and political advantages that could significantly bolster his campaign and future administration.
Kamala Harris: A Strong Progressive Voice with Executive Experience
California Senator Kamala Harris stands out as a formidable candidate for the Vice Presidency. With a background as District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and now a U.S. Senator, Harris possesses extensive executive and legislative experience. Her sharp prosecutorial mind, strong debate performances, and ability to connect with diverse groups of voters make her a powerful asset. As an African American and South Asian American woman, her presence on the ticket would not only make history but also resonate deeply with key Democratic demographics, particularly minority women and younger voters. Her policy positions, which often align with the progressive wing of the party while maintaining a pragmatic approach, could help bridge potential divides within the Democratic coalition.
Amy Klobuchar: Midwestern Appeal and Moderate Strength
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar offers a different, yet equally compelling, profile. Known for her pragmatic approach, ability to win in swing states, and strong performance in the Democratic debates, Klobuchar brings a sense of Midwestern sensibility and a track record of bipartisan cooperation. Her experience as a county attorney before entering the Senate demonstrates her commitment to public service and practical governance. For Biden, choosing Klobuchar could strengthen his appeal to moderate voters and those in the crucial Rust Belt states, where her down-to-earth demeanor and focus on economic issues could prove invaluable. Her endorsement of Biden after Super Tuesday was a significant boost, further solidifying her position as a potential running mate.
Elizabeth Warren: Policy Powerhouse and Progressive Icon
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, while perhaps representing a more progressive wing than Biden, is undeniably one of the most intellectually robust figures in the Democratic party. Her profound understanding of economic policy, consumer protection, and systemic reform earned her a devoted following during her presidential campaign. Biden’s explicit praise for her policies during the debate highlighted his respect for her ideas, even if their political styles differ. While a Warren pick might be seen as a move to unite the progressive and moderate factions, her age and policy stances could also present challenges. However, her ability to articulate complex issues in an accessible way would be a tremendous asset on the campaign trail and in governance.
Beyond the Debates: Other Prominent Women Considered
Biden has previously hinted at a variety of strong female leaders as potential running mates, demonstrating a broad consideration of talent. During a November 2019 campaign event in Iowa, he openly discussed several individuals:
- Sally Yates: Referred to as “the former assistant attorney general who got fired,” Yates gained national prominence for her principled stand against the Trump administration’s travel ban. Her integrity, legal acumen, and defiance of political pressure would make her a powerful and respected voice in an administration.
- Stacey Abrams: Described as “the woman who should have been the governor of Georgia,” Abrams is a highly influential voting rights activist and politician. Her grassroots organizing prowess, ability to mobilize voters, particularly in diverse communities, and her vision for a more inclusive democracy make her an exceptionally attractive choice, especially given Georgia’s emerging status as a swing state.
- Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan: Biden also referenced “the two senators from the state of New Hampshire.” Both Shaheen and Hassan are seasoned politicians with experience at both the gubernatorial and senatorial levels. Their ability to win tough races in a critical swing state like New Hampshire speaks volumes about their electoral strength and appeal to a broad electorate.
This early contemplation revealed Biden’s consistent focus on selecting a woman with a strong record of public service and a proven ability to lead, reflecting his long-held belief in the importance of diverse leadership.
Joe Biden commits to choosing a woman as his running mate if he wins the Democratic nomination #DemDebate https://t.co/zDRCohlze9 pic.twitter.com/eXCjmnTarr
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) March 16, 2020
The Supreme Court Commitment: A Pledge for Judicial Diversity
Beyond his promise for a female Vice President, Joe Biden also made another significant commitment during the debate: to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. This pledge underscores a broader commitment to ensuring that all branches of government reflect the diversity of the American populace, particularly the judiciary.
Biden explicitly stated: “I’m committed that if I am elected president and have an opportunity to appoint someone to the courts, I will appoint the first black woman to the court. It’s required that they have representation now; it’s long overdue.” This promise is not merely symbolic; it addresses a historical disparity within one of the nation’s most powerful institutions. The Supreme Court’s decisions have profound impacts on the lives of all Americans, and having a bench that includes a wider range of experiences and perspectives is crucial for legitimacy and comprehensive legal interpretation.
For centuries, the Supreme Court has been overwhelmingly composed of white men. While progress has been made with the appointment of women and people of color, a Black woman has yet to serve on the highest court. Biden’s commitment highlights the long-standing need to rectify this imbalance, ensuring that the legal system benefits from the unique insights and understanding that a Black woman would bring to the bench. This pledge could galvanize Black voters, a critical demographic for the Democratic party, and resonate with those who believe in the importance of a judiciary that genuinely represents all Americans.
Strategic Implications and the Path Forward
Joe Biden’s dual pledges—to select a woman as his Vice President and to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court—represent a powerful strategic move in the context of the 2020 election. These commitments aim to excite and mobilize key Democratic constituencies, including women, African Americans, and those who prioritize diversity and representation in government.
By making these definitive statements, Biden distinguishes himself not only from his primary opponent, Bernie Sanders, but also establishes a clear contrast with the Republican platform. These promises signal a forward-looking vision for America, one that embraces inclusivity and actively seeks to dismantle historical barriers to power. They tap into a deep desire among many voters to see their government reflect the diversity and strength of the nation, providing a tangible pathway to achieving those aspirations.
The choice of a Vice President is one of the most critical decisions a presidential nominee makes. It can expand the campaign’s appeal, bring in new fundraising capabilities, and provide essential governance experience. Similarly, Supreme Court appointments are a President’s most enduring legacy, shaping the legal landscape for generations. Biden’s pledges demonstrate a recognition of these profound responsibilities and his intention to use these opportunities to foster greater equity and representation.
As the 2020 election cycle unfolds, these commitments will undoubtedly remain central to Joe Biden’s narrative. They are not merely campaign promises but reflections of a strategic effort to build a coalition that is both broadly representative and deeply committed to progressive values. The pursuit of a truly inclusive government, where voices from all backgrounds are heard and empowered, lies at the heart of these historic pledges.
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