Joe Biden just announced his running mate choice: Sen. Kamala Harris of California. That means Harris, if she can govern well, could be the leader of both the Democratic Party and the country through 2030. If she can't, she might well be the last democratically-elected vice president in American history.
Biden is the heavy favorite against Trump this year. Given his age and his track record of working closely with President Obama when he was vice president, Harris will presumably play a significant role in major governing decisions. It's unpopular for the media to talk about, but there's a decent chance she would need to step in before Biden's term is up. What's more, there is a reasonable chance that Biden would choose not to run for re-election in 2024. If so, Harris would be the overwhelming favorite to run in his place.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
'Solitude has become a notable, and worrisome, trend of our times'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Blake Lively accuses rom-com costar of smear jobSpeed Read The actor accused Justin Baldoni, her director and costar on "It Ends With Us," of sexual harassment and a revenge campaign
-
Germany arrests anti-Islam Saudi in SUV attackSpeed Read The attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg left five people dead and more than 200 wounded
-
Is the United States becoming an oligarchy?Talking Points How much power do billionaires like Elon Musk really have?
-
What is Mitch McConnell's legacy?Talking Point Moving on after a record-setting run as Senate GOP leader
-
Who will win the coming US-China trade war?Talking Points Trump's election makes a tariff battle likely
-
The political latitude of Musk's cost-cutting task forceTalking Points A $2 trillion goal. And big obstacles in the way.
-
The Pentagon faces an uncertain future with TrumpTalking Point The president-elect has nominated conservative commentator Pete Hegseth to lead the Defense Department
-
Should Sonia Sotomayor retire from the Supreme Court?Talking Points Democrats worry about repeating the history of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
-
US election: who the billionaires are backingThe Explainer More have endorsed Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, but among the 'ultra-rich' the split is more even
-
US election: where things stand with one week to goThe Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
