Americanswers! Could Obama serve as VP to Kamala Harris?
Aug 5, 2024
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Barack Obama, the former U.S. president known for his impactful leadership, joins current Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the intriguing question of whether a past president can serve as vice president. They delve into the legal intricacies and electoral strategies surrounding this scenario. Meanwhile, Donald Trump stirs controversy by questioning Harris's racial identity at a recent convention. The conversation highlights the shifting dynamics of politics, particularly regarding young and minority voters, and the playful speculation around Harris’s potential vice presidential pick.
The eligibility of Barack Obama for the vice presidency raises significant constitutional questions, highlighting complexities in U.S. electoral law and interpretations of amendments.
As Kamala Harris prepares to select her vice presidential pick, the focus is on finding a candidate who appeals to both moderate and progressive voters amidst strategic electoral challenges.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Vice Presidential Eligibility
The discussion revolves around the eligibility of former President Barack Obama potentially running as Kamala Harris's vice president. The 22nd Amendment restricts anyone from being elected to the presidency more than twice, raising questions about whether this also makes them ineligible for the vice presidency under the 12th Amendment. Legal scholars are divided, complicating the situation further, particularly since Harris is soon to announce her own vice presidential pick. This uncertainty highlights the intricacies of U.S. electoral law and the potential for constitutional conflicts in candidates' pathways.
Kamala Harris's Vice Presidential Selection
As Kamala Harris prepares to announce her vice presidential pick, speculation centers on several leading contenders, including Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro. He stands out due to his appeal in swing states, yet he has faced scrutiny over his past positions on Israel, which may create challenges with certain factions of the Democratic base. The focus remains on balancing the need for a centrist candidate who can attract moderate voters while not alienating progressive support. The urgency of Harris's announcement underscores the strategic importance of this selection in shaping her campaign ahead of the election.
Impact of Robert Kennedy Jr.'s Candidacy
Robert Kennedy Jr.'s campaign is losing momentum as he struggles to capitalize on early support, partly due to various controversies, including a bizarre incident involving the carcass of a bear. His previous double-digit poll lead has diminished, reflecting a failure to gain traction amid Joe Biden's and Donald Trump's unpopularity as candidates. Although Kennedy Jr. still poses a potential risk as a third-party candidate, his ability to sway significant votes could determine key outcomes in swing states. His peculiar incidents and controversies may overshadow substantive political discourse but are nonetheless pivotal in the evolving landscape of the election.
Barack Obama has already done his two terms as president of the US. Would he be allowed to then serve as vice president to Kamala Harris?
And, Donald Trump made a controversial appearance at the convention for the National Association of Black Journalists last week. Why did he make comments questioning Kamala Harris’s racial identity?
HOSTS:
* Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
* Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter
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This episode was made by George Dabby with Madeleine Drury, Ben Morris and Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
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