Harris was the vice president, and was therefore the closest thing to a small-d democratic choice amongst the available options. Otherwise... Why Harris and not Newsom?
The better choice would have been Biden stepping out earlier and having a real primary, of course.
That’s why Biden should have picked a vice presidential candidate who could run a good campaign in 2024. It’s not like Biden’s age was an unknown factor. Biden himself floated the idea of only running for one term back in 2020.
Agreed. If the incumbent doesn't run (term limited or retires), the next nominee is almost always the VP if they want the job. Just look at the history:
Roosevelt -> Truman
(not Truman -> Barkley: the exception)
Eisenhower -> Nixon
Johnson -> Humphrey
Nixon -> Ford
Reagan -> Bush
Clinton -> Gore
(not Bush -> Cheney, who retired)
(not Obama -> Biden, who temporarily retired)
Biden -> Harris
I can't fathom how a party can pick a VP who isn't an excellent future candidate. JD Vance?
The better choice would have been Biden stepping out earlier and having a real primary, of course.