Hey Jeff, any chance you'd join the fracas and be Harris's pick for VP? There are a lot of us that would love to see you step into the national spotlight!
I absolutely love Rep. Jackson, and I think one day he will make a great VP and/or President. I'd like to see him govern first though. I think that Governor Cooper would make a better VP candidate in the current race, as he's just coming off of two terms admirably leading NC through Covid and beyond. I think right now we need her VP to come from a governor or former governor position. I think that this sort of leadership experience is the better counter to the inexperienced Vance. My sincere hope is that Rep. Jackson's next step after attorney general is to run for NC governor. I think it would be incredible for NC and for a future run for the Presidency.
I believe that we all have hidden corners in our psyches. This would be expected in any society.
Our current political situation raises the need for people to ask themselves: am I a subtle bigot?
Certain predilections can come in under the radar. They can be highly visible and overtly declared. Or so subtle that individuals can truly believe that they have no vestiges of racism, non of sexism.
The latter group need to ask themselves: Do I have vestiges of racism or sexism inside of me? I hope they will reflect upon their upbringings and wonder if they have a predisposition to reject candidates because of race or gender.
Please, in the next couple months, try to be self-observant and ask yourselves what is the best way forward for you, your loved ones, your country.
The big takeaway I've gotten from the last 24 hours is that Democrats are feeling hopeful and energized. If we can pull together the pro-democracy coalition that elected Biden-Harris, we have the chance to elect our first woman president.
It's clear from the bleating out of Florida, the republicans weren't ready for this. They were caught flat-footed. I also expect some extraordinarily ugly stuff coming the VP's way, so we need to be ready for that. I hope that, like many of the folks here, people in the country are just plain sick of the meanness, the juvenile name-calling and horrible racism emanating from the Trump camp. We have a chance to change direction. I'm looking forward to it.
One final thing, it wasn't an easy decision for the President to forego a second term, and he did it for the good of the party and his country. He deserves our thanks for his courage and patriotism in making what had to be a heartbreaking decision for him and his family. I thank him from the bottom of my heart.
Your updates help keep my family informed in a clean, simple way. We appreciate all the work you do, not only in congress, but surrounding national events as well. Thank you!
Well, it would seem like many of us are flabberghasted trying to arrange our brains around a historical event. I admire and respect Joe Biden for the considerable amount of acomplishments during his presidency and for having the courage to act in the best interests of the country. I have no doubt or fear of Kamala Harris's candidacy or her ability to lead the country. She will also have a ton of highly qualified backup. And Roy Cooper just might be her VP. So could Shapiro of Penn. or Mark Kelly. There are other accomplished candidates, but I don't think, frankly, that both the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates can be "people of color". I hate that terminology with a passion. I could care less about "50 shades of black/brown/red or yellow skin. As MLK said, it isn't the color of your skin; it's the courage of your convictions. I fully intend to support her. We REALLY need for Trump to lose. It's already horrendous hearing him and his cohorts planning their takeover of the govt. and basically shredding the Constitution. I cannot count the ways that rounding up 10 million immigrants for deportation is an egregious plan!
Well, way may not like it - but it's time to get on board, support VP Harris and vote blue on ALL candidates. We CANNOT let MAGA take over the government.
Jeff, You may know some of this already but it's not been widely reported what exactly prompted Joe's sudden decision. COVID has been kicking Biden's ass. This is the second time he's gotten COVID - first was in 2020 during his 1st campaigning. This time has been worse. He's been sick since before the debate and just when he seems to be starting to get better he relapses. Joe was scheduled to go back out on the campaign trail starting today, Monday July 22. After discussing with Obama, Kamala and others in his inner circle this weekend, he decided it was too much to: 1- fight COVID; 2- Fulfill his duties as POTUS, and 3- campaign for another term all at the same time. He could have made it work some other way that physical appearances. Kamala suggested some alternate methods for campaigning such as mega-Zoom meetings. I wish he had found a way - but nevertheless respect his decision. Joe's experience and decision making remains sharp. He just needs to rest and recover from COVID. I have faith he & Kamala shall continue to lead this nation onward and upward over the next 6 months. Meanwhile full speed ahead supporting Kamala for POTUS. Just donated. Glad you're here and always a pleasure to read your posts! P.S. - I'm a former NC resident from 1980 - 1987 and NC remains in my heart.
OK...I put my drop in the bucket and wish you the best of luck. Besides having a great candidate for the presidency with Kamala we need great candidates to be in the majority at the state levels and Congress. The job of leading the country on to further successes takes progressive minds, not a yearning for the past.
Having Roy Cooper running is my dream. He was a wonderful governor in a very partisan state. He was practical, made great decisions and didn't engage in any drama. I would back him for president. I also wish Andy Brashears would consider entering the race in the future. We need younger leaders! Thanks for your emails.
I’m disappointed. If a successful dem governor of a red state like Bashear or Shapiro ran at the top of the ticket it could be a uniting landslide. Kamala has been consistently unpopular and several of her stances are at odds with a large swath of democrats and independent voters. Not having a real primary and then basically anointing VP Harris as our candidate is undemocratic … and we are the ones saying we are protecting Democracy.
I agree. I voted for Biden AND Harris, and I know that she has been a major player in everything that has been accomplished over the past 3.5 years. I believe that she will continue the work that the Biden team started. I think she has learned a lot from him on how to pick the best people and get things done. I was behind her as VP. I would have been right there again, too. I'm with her now that "something happened" and will do all that I can to help her win.
Sorry, but I do not agree that Kamala has been consistently unpopular. She's made good appearances, spoken well ....not a stiff politician but a warm, very intelligent woman with a great sense of humor....all while addressing important issues She's a breath of fresh air. And we are so overdue for a woman president. There have been women presidents in nearly every part of the world. It's time!
I hear you. My comment was not about Kamala the person at all, but based on her polling numbers over the last four years. A few of the progressive policies she has championed are very unpopular with a majority of the country, especially in the swing states, making her vulnerable. She is also from California, a polarizing state by all measures, which doesn’t help. Having a woman President would be amazing! This isn’t about my preference. It is about not wanting to experience another 2016.
You're right - she will have to back off some of the progressive stuff. An old college roomie lives in Cali, and she is MAGA. We don't talk politics LOL.
I just came here to say this exact thing. Mark Robinson is vile. "Some people just need killing"? And that's on top of ALL of the other horrible things he has said or has done.
That may be Jeff’s next step. We’ve got to turn NC back to the BLUE it used to be and get these right wingers out of our legislature. Their policies are killing what used to be considered a fairly progressive state for the South.
Hey Jeff, any chance you'd join the fracas and be Harris's pick for VP? There are a lot of us that would love to see you step into the national spotlight!
I absolutely love Rep. Jackson, and I think one day he will make a great VP and/or President. I'd like to see him govern first though. I think that Governor Cooper would make a better VP candidate in the current race, as he's just coming off of two terms admirably leading NC through Covid and beyond. I think right now we need her VP to come from a governor or former governor position. I think that this sort of leadership experience is the better counter to the inexperienced Vance. My sincere hope is that Rep. Jackson's next step after attorney general is to run for NC governor. I think it would be incredible for NC and for a future run for the Presidency.
I was hoping he’d kick Tillis’s butt and become our senator. (I’d say Buddy’s butt, but that’s 4 years away…)
and with Vance as the other VP pick Jeff would be an excellent counter!
I believe that we all have hidden corners in our psyches. This would be expected in any society.
Our current political situation raises the need for people to ask themselves: am I a subtle bigot?
Certain predilections can come in under the radar. They can be highly visible and overtly declared. Or so subtle that individuals can truly believe that they have no vestiges of racism, non of sexism.
The latter group need to ask themselves: Do I have vestiges of racism or sexism inside of me? I hope they will reflect upon their upbringings and wonder if they have a predisposition to reject candidates because of race or gender.
Please, in the next couple months, try to be self-observant and ask yourselves what is the best way forward for you, your loved ones, your country.
I would second that!
I third that
Jeff for VP. He would eat the repugs apart.
Looking forward to seeing you on the National ticket some day!
My husband and I both agree that Roy would be an excellent choice for VP.
The big takeaway I've gotten from the last 24 hours is that Democrats are feeling hopeful and energized. If we can pull together the pro-democracy coalition that elected Biden-Harris, we have the chance to elect our first woman president.
It's clear from the bleating out of Florida, the republicans weren't ready for this. They were caught flat-footed. I also expect some extraordinarily ugly stuff coming the VP's way, so we need to be ready for that. I hope that, like many of the folks here, people in the country are just plain sick of the meanness, the juvenile name-calling and horrible racism emanating from the Trump camp. We have a chance to change direction. I'm looking forward to it.
One final thing, it wasn't an easy decision for the President to forego a second term, and he did it for the good of the party and his country. He deserves our thanks for his courage and patriotism in making what had to be a heartbreaking decision for him and his family. I thank him from the bottom of my heart.
Your updates help keep my family informed in a clean, simple way. We appreciate all the work you do, not only in congress, but surrounding national events as well. Thank you!
Well, it would seem like many of us are flabberghasted trying to arrange our brains around a historical event. I admire and respect Joe Biden for the considerable amount of acomplishments during his presidency and for having the courage to act in the best interests of the country. I have no doubt or fear of Kamala Harris's candidacy or her ability to lead the country. She will also have a ton of highly qualified backup. And Roy Cooper just might be her VP. So could Shapiro of Penn. or Mark Kelly. There are other accomplished candidates, but I don't think, frankly, that both the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates can be "people of color". I hate that terminology with a passion. I could care less about "50 shades of black/brown/red or yellow skin. As MLK said, it isn't the color of your skin; it's the courage of your convictions. I fully intend to support her. We REALLY need for Trump to lose. It's already horrendous hearing him and his cohorts planning their takeover of the govt. and basically shredding the Constitution. I cannot count the ways that rounding up 10 million immigrants for deportation is an egregious plan!
I cannot help but think that Biden’s step down may not be in our best interest, though.
Well, way may not like it - but it's time to get on board, support VP Harris and vote blue on ALL candidates. We CANNOT let MAGA take over the government.
I definitely agree with you!
Jeff, You may know some of this already but it's not been widely reported what exactly prompted Joe's sudden decision. COVID has been kicking Biden's ass. This is the second time he's gotten COVID - first was in 2020 during his 1st campaigning. This time has been worse. He's been sick since before the debate and just when he seems to be starting to get better he relapses. Joe was scheduled to go back out on the campaign trail starting today, Monday July 22. After discussing with Obama, Kamala and others in his inner circle this weekend, he decided it was too much to: 1- fight COVID; 2- Fulfill his duties as POTUS, and 3- campaign for another term all at the same time. He could have made it work some other way that physical appearances. Kamala suggested some alternate methods for campaigning such as mega-Zoom meetings. I wish he had found a way - but nevertheless respect his decision. Joe's experience and decision making remains sharp. He just needs to rest and recover from COVID. I have faith he & Kamala shall continue to lead this nation onward and upward over the next 6 months. Meanwhile full speed ahead supporting Kamala for POTUS. Just donated. Glad you're here and always a pleasure to read your posts! P.S. - I'm a former NC resident from 1980 - 1987 and NC remains in my heart.
OK...I put my drop in the bucket and wish you the best of luck. Besides having a great candidate for the presidency with Kamala we need great candidates to be in the majority at the state levels and Congress. The job of leading the country on to further successes takes progressive minds, not a yearning for the past.
Yes yes yes! Donated to Harris and to you. Great message, sound predictions, and you’ve made the whole delegate-superdelegate system clear to me.
Thanks, Jeff. I enjoyed your article and a bit more optimism is sneeking up on me! Go Kamala!
Having Roy Cooper running is my dream. He was a wonderful governor in a very partisan state. He was practical, made great decisions and didn't engage in any drama. I would back him for president. I also wish Andy Brashears would consider entering the race in the future. We need younger leaders! Thanks for your emails.
A Californian here, donation on the way! Hope you reach your goal! And thanks for explaining some of what’s about to happen.
I’m disappointed. If a successful dem governor of a red state like Bashear or Shapiro ran at the top of the ticket it could be a uniting landslide. Kamala has been consistently unpopular and several of her stances are at odds with a large swath of democrats and independent voters. Not having a real primary and then basically anointing VP Harris as our candidate is undemocratic … and we are the ones saying we are protecting Democracy.
When we voted for Biden, we voted for Harris also. Knowing full well that if something happened to him, she was on deck. Well, something happened.
I agree. I voted for Biden AND Harris, and I know that she has been a major player in everything that has been accomplished over the past 3.5 years. I believe that she will continue the work that the Biden team started. I think she has learned a lot from him on how to pick the best people and get things done. I was behind her as VP. I would have been right there again, too. I'm with her now that "something happened" and will do all that I can to help her win.
Sorry, but I do not agree that Kamala has been consistently unpopular. She's made good appearances, spoken well ....not a stiff politician but a warm, very intelligent woman with a great sense of humor....all while addressing important issues She's a breath of fresh air. And we are so overdue for a woman president. There have been women presidents in nearly every part of the world. It's time!
I hear you. My comment was not about Kamala the person at all, but based on her polling numbers over the last four years. A few of the progressive policies she has championed are very unpopular with a majority of the country, especially in the swing states, making her vulnerable. She is also from California, a polarizing state by all measures, which doesn’t help. Having a woman President would be amazing! This isn’t about my preference. It is about not wanting to experience another 2016.
You're right - she will have to back off some of the progressive stuff. An old college roomie lives in Cali, and she is MAGA. We don't talk politics LOL.
Thanks for keeping us up to date! Exciting times!!
What if Roy Cooper was picked? What would happen in NC politics?
nothing! He's term limited and I don't think NC voters are so far gone they will elect Mark Robinson. and we know Jeff will win.
Boy, I sure hope you are right about Mark Robinson. He is just the worst candidate for governor I've seen.
I just came here to say this exact thing. Mark Robinson is vile. "Some people just need killing"? And that's on top of ALL of the other horrible things he has said or has done.
Could
Jeff run for gov?? He’d be soo awesome!
That may be Jeff’s next step. We’ve got to turn NC back to the BLUE it used to be and get these right wingers out of our legislature. Their policies are killing what used to be considered a fairly progressive state for the South.
Thanks for the update, Jeff.
IF Cooper gets picked.. does the current LT Governor take over? That could be disastrous.. even for 5 minutes.
The answer is: No
Yes. Agreed.