Karen Tumulty: “A new report in Politico claims that Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), widely regarded as the front-runner to become Democratic nominee-to-be Joe Biden’s running mate, is coming up against questions of ‘trust’ and whether she could be a ‘loyal No. 2.'”
“Former senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), who is helping to lead Biden’s search committee, was reportedly perturbed at Harris’s response when he brought up the fact that, during the first Democratic primary debate, Harris had taken a tough shot at Biden’s past opposition to forced school busing. The article suggests that some Biden allies fear Trump may ‘weaponize’ (in advertisements) the debate-stage clash between Harris and Biden over his record on busing, which was the most notable moment of her failed bid for the nomination. Since endorsing Biden in March, Harris has campaigned energetically on his behalf.”
“This reported anxiety about Harris, however, suggests a different standard for women as running mates. They are apparently supposed to be window-dressing — demure and apologetic.”