Biden’s VP pick a gamble

When you think about it, presumed democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden may have simplified the task of selecting his vice president partner.

Which is good because, previously, he has had a problem with making decisions and then sticking with them.

We have only to look at his ever-shifting positions on, say, Social Security — for years he wanted to reduce it but now advocates increasing it — or, perhaps, the war in Iraq — he was for it before he was against it — to fully appreciate his decisiveness. Or, rather, lack thereof. Truly, he would have to become more resolute to be considered merely wishy-washy.

However, in a burst of inspiration – and, likely, a bow to pressure by his supporters – he may have simplified the task by cleverly narrowing the field by “pre-selecting” a woman of color for his running mate.

You see, the population is about 327 million but, to be elected president, one must be at least 35 years of age, which quickly reduces the field of choice to about 178 million.

And, since he wants a female, he further reduces the field to about 93 million. And she must be African-American, thereby eliminating some 86 percent of the potential contestants leaving some 12 million.

The pool grows ever smaller once you screen for education, desire to run for office and political affiliation.

Still not the easiest of decisions but, who knows, he may get lucky.

As my dad used to say, even a blind pig finds the occasional acorn.

Dick Pilling

Port Angeles