Joe’s VP must have Red Hair?

We have a problem when symbolism becomes detached from or gets out in front of reality — the consequences can be disaster (Fixation on transatlantic speed forgot the very real iceberg — the consequences were gurgle, gurgle). Election choices should be the best person for the job and not who fits a pretty picture of an ideal — that like the Titanic can finish in total loss.

Joe blurted that he will choose a woman as his partner on the ticket (Bernie alongside with more oxygen going to the brain, remained uncommitted). The clamor of righteous souls adorning this “gem” of an idea was overwhelming while steadier minds remained mum. The following wave of “one-upmanship” proceeded to limit the choice even further. This time the woman had to be of color (one voice coming immediately after seeing her own chances for VP on the skids) — what will be next wave? red hair perhaps? or one leg shorter than the other?

Should the “chosen one” be with red hair or asymmetrical legs (perhaps a latter day Elizabeth or Claudius) then that’s great! but to impose a symbolic “gotta-be” deprives poor Joe, the Democrats and the country of a real choice. After all we want the best person for the job — don’t we? The real purpose of VP is to take over should the President become incapacitated — very important when it comes to Joe, arguable halfway there already.

“The great majority of people are saying that race should not be a factor in his decision” according to polling conducted by The New York Times and Siena College.

Please don’t misunderstand me. It would be fantastic should a Native American become President. It should be encouraged but achieved on its merits and not by drawing fulfilling, comforting and idylic pictures. The enthusiasm for which shuns simple arithmetic by eliminating three quarters of possible choices for the VP position. Not only will this weaken the already feeble ticket on journey to the White House, but the ability to achieve once there.

It is a huge mistake to soften on winning the presidency. There is no winning margin for notions of purity to be gathered into this election. Not to dismiss their worthiness, but champion only after achieving the strength of the office to make them a reality — not as sinking attachment before.

Let’s face it — Joe is no strong hand. A win with this fortunate unfortunate will be by default and absolutely nothing suggests that this will change. The strategy is an appalling one and inherently dangerous — rather like relying on your opponent in a tennis match to continually double fault.

But there is always hope I guess.