My big thing when this primary race started was that no incumbent is entitled to a seat, every incumbent should have to fight for it, and if we want a younger and more diverse bench we need to allow these primaries to happen to get new blood in these seats. Obviously nothing diverse about a Kennedy running in Massachusetts, but I knew a lot of Markey supporters who have said terrible things about Kennedy who would back Pressley over Markey in a heart beat. Identity politics can cut both ways.
I appreciate Charley focusing like a laser on climate and felt Ed always had the edge on that issue. Kennedy folks blasting Markey’s record on Iraq seemed fair, but his pro life votes from 40 years ago seemed unfair. On the flip side, the Warren people who left her campaign to join Ed’s never quite reconciled the Markey who works with AOC with the Markey who voted like Biden. It’s their hypocrisy and smug self righteousness I couldn’t stand that hardened me for Kennedy.
His argument still stands. He’s a more effective communicator and would use the bully pulpit better. He’s got better traction in the left behind communities of this state. That said, Ed’s showed throughout this primary and crisis he also has deep support in those communities too. Can’t deny it or wish it away. So it comes down to two dedicated public servants and consistent progressives nitpicking around the edges.
Joe had a stronger case to make when it looked like McConnell was going to be majority leader. with then Green New Deal DOA regardless of who won. Now that the majority is looking Democratic, Ed has the stronger argument to make that he’s the best man to lead the fight for the GND with a trifecta on the horizon.
So how about a truce and 2 senators for the price of 1? How might this happen? Kennedy’s friend and former professor Elizabeth Warren (who has endorsed her close friend and Senate colleague Ed Markey) will hopefully step down from the Senate to be Joe Bidens Vice President or cabinet secretary. Either way, she should resign after that selection so that the seat can be contested on the November ballot and Baker and MA GOP can’t play politics with the seat after January.
Kennedy already has the campaign infrastructure in place to switch to that seat. No other Democrat could assemble the logistics in time to credibly compete. Kennedy is a teetotaler and Ed is a son of a milkman and well known ice cream fanatic, so maybe they can split a milkshake at a reopened local business and get back to work. Kennedy generating headlines to pass policies Markey generates. Win win.
Whatever the option is that leaves Kennedy without a seat he’ll hold for life is the best one.
I don’t think Ms. Warren should step down until her role in the cabinet is certain — after November 2, 2020.
I would rather her stay in the Senate throughout the next administration. I think she is a better senator then either Mr. Markey or Mr. Kennedy, and I think America needs her leadership in the Senate MUCH more than in any cabinet position.
When was the last time a Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Labor, or even Vice President had the same influence over federal policy as she already has as the senior senator from MA?
Just once. His name was Dick Cheney.
I think she’d be pretty consequential as a VP for Biden. Economic regulation, policy design, and domestic plans are not his wheelhouse like they are for her. Horse trading and foreign policy are where he has the upper hand in experience (although not necessarily with outcomes). He’s apparently soliciting her advice every day.
I’ll say today the future for all three depends on the likelihood of a Democratic majority and a Biden win. If it looks like Biden is a sure fire winner and she feels she could do more in an executive role, than I see her bolting. If she feels she is more valuable in the Senate, then this switch won’t happen. I could also see her settling for an exit from the Senate if the majority is less likely. In some ways Kennedy’s fortunes are inversely related to the fortune of the majority.
Plus she could put her money where her mouth is regarding ending the filibuster. As President of the Senate, I would love to see her assume the chair, and if no Senators are actually seeking recognition to speak on a matter with a threatened filibuster, call the vote. Anyone who doesn’t like it is free to stage a temper tantrum in the full view of C-SPAN cameras.
I’ll admit that would be pretty awesome.