Lebron for VP
The election is 100 days away and Joe Biden hasn’t publicly announced his Vice President. While Biden seems to be ahead in most polls, there is much uncertainty on how the election may go given the back drop of COVID-19. I believe there is one person who would guarantee Joe becomes the 46th President of the United States - Lebron James. Wait, what? Let’s go through Biden’s biggest weaknesses and we will see how Lebron can solve each one.
Biden is Weak on Race Relations and Progressive Politics
Biden struggled most in the Democratic Debates when he was attacked by Kamala and others for his record on race. Since the debates, Black Lives Matter has been having a moment, and unfortunately Biden hasn’t incorporated many of their policies. He needs a VP who has been a demonstrated leader in this area. Enter Lebron.
![George Floyd: LeBron James posts picture in 'I can't breathe ... George Floyd: LeBron James posts picture in 'I can't breathe ...](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc3639fb0-7ac3-4614-bb55-70cbef3ace29_1100x825.jpeg)
Lebron is a leader here who has shown he is with the Black Lives Movement for years and years. He most definitely will not shut up and dribble. As VP, Lebron can be the face of the party in and create an agenda to incorporate the correct policies in the government and the country.
Furthermore, Lebron has already been a leader in Education Reform and giving back to the communities that need the most help.
Biden is Old
One of Trump’s biggest weaknesses is that he is 74 years old. Unfortunately, Biden is 77. By bringing in Lebron, it will help cement the Democrats at the party of the young while creating a more progressive looking ticket.
Biden is deeply connected to Washington
Biden is a Washington Lifer, and American’s have a very low opinion of Washington DC. Lebron brings an outsider on to the ticket, painting a picture of a party that is open to a new way of doing things. This is not business as usual.
Biden is always reacting to Trump
Trump is very good at having the media narrative be about him. It has been a struggle for Biden to get his policies front and center, as anytime he speaks, he is reacting to what Trump is doing. Naming Lebron his VP would capture all the media attention allowing them to better control the narrative and importantly take attention away from his opponent.
The Electoral Map hurts Biden
While Democrats won the popular vote by almost 3 million votes in 2016, they lost the electoral map by 77. Democrats lost Ohio and Florida - both states Lebron has massive connections too. He grew up in Akron, Ohio, built a school there, and has delivered NBA Championships to Ohio and Florida creating near universal support for himself. Lebron as VP turns these states from LEAN-R to LEAN-D overnight. This creates a much easier Electoral path to victory for Biden.
What’s in it for Lebron?
Lebron would have much to lose if he were to accept a VP nomination. It most likely ends his NBA Career if the ticket wins. Also, he would have to sever his ties with his corporate sponsors which could drastically hurt his financial earnings. However, by running for VP, Lebron would transcend sports in no other way an athlete has. As a basketball player, it is impossible for him to supplant Michael Jordan. As a business person, it is impossible for him to supplant Magic Johnson. And as a human, it is impossible for him to supplant Jackie Robinson, Bill Russell or Jim Brown. By running and winning VP, Lebron becomes unmatched by any athlete. He also achieves his dreams of using basketball as a means to create change in the country.
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Kamala Harris is the Vegas Favorite right now to be VP. It is a solid, safe choice and helps address some of the problems listed above. But Lebron would be a true game changer. It is a high risk move and if you look at the polls today, maybe Biden should play it safe. But Biden is 77 and this is his last shot to be president. He should go for the slam dunk, and pick Lebron James as his VP.