Rep. Doggett on Democratic enthusiasm for Harris: 'Now we have a fighting chance'
With Democratic support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee seems to be solidifying, some in the party still want to see an open convention. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas was the first Democratic lawmaker to call on President Biden to abandon hi
Amna Nawaz: With Democratic support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee appearing to solidify, some in the party still want to see an open convention. Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas was the first Democratic lawmaker to call on President Biden to abandon his bid. Now he's calling for an open convention. Amna Nawaz spoke with Congressman Doggett about his thoughts.
Congressman Doggett: It's good to join you, Amna. You've now seen what's happened in the last 24 hours. Donors have come back into the fold, and the party seems to be lining up behind Harris. You had previously said that a mini-primary of some sort would be good for the next nominee and actually help to strengthen that person. Do you still want to see that happen?
Congressman Doggett: Well, I think that was the preferable approach. When I called on President Biden to step aside three weeks ago, it was in favor of a fair, open, and democratic process. But I must say that the past 24 hours have been pretty amazing. And there's a question: if we had such a primary, who else would be in it besides the vice president? She has, in less than 24 hours, raised over $100 million and secured, as you noted, the endorsement of every person I've heard of who was a possible candidate. So, while I think that process would have been better, and it would have been better if we hadn't waited three weeks to get to this point, under these circumstances, I think it's improbable that we do anything other than address this at the convention.
Amna Nawaz: But, Congressman, if there doesn't seem to be anyone who's going to step in to challenge her and it looks like all the delegates are lining up behind her, she's not at that number yet—1,976—but she could be, in at least an Associated Press unofficial survey so far. Why wait until the convention to get this sorted? Does it make sense for her as a potential nominee to have more time as the presumptive nominee?
Congressman Doggett: Well, I think if she's the only person seeking the nomination, it would be pretty clear to everyone that she is our nominee. The convention is the traditional place for doing this, with the 50-state roll call and the territories. So, I think that's probably the best place to do it in an open way. And I believe what you're seeing is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm that was lacking only a few days ago. We lagged for a year behind President Trump. Now we have a fighting chance to overcome him. And I think the enthusiasm and outreach she will be doing will make this convention an exciting event for people to watch.
Amna Nawaz: So, Congressman, is that as close to an endorsement as we're going to get from you right now? You haven't outright endorsed her yet.
Congressman Doggett: Oh...
Amna Nawaz: Will you?
Congressman Doggett: Yes, I think it's just a matter of allowing more than 24 hours to ensure there are no other candidates that want to get into the race. I don't expect there to be any. I expect to do an endorsement, along with others who have not yet joined, because we think—and I have always thought—that she would be an excellent nominee. I just felt it was important to have a process that allowed any and all comers who could meet the requirements of the rules to come and participate. I anticipated that perhaps some would. She began with such an advantage with the endorsement of President Biden, which was so firm yesterday, and then through the great work she's done to win over apparently every possible opponent, as well as so many other elected officials, governors, and party officials around the country. It speaks very well of her and suggests the kind of effective campaign she will run.
Amna Nawaz: So tell me more about that potential campaign, knowing the Republican ticket she would be running against and with a potential running mate. How do you think she can best run that campaign? And what's the message she needs to go out with if she's confirmed as the nominee?
Congressman Doggett: Well, first...
Amna Nawaz: And who do you think would be a good running mate for her to help shore up that message?
Congressman Doggett: First, she can point to the accomplishments of the last three and a half years—significant accomplishments that both she and President Biden had a hand in. Second, I think she will point to the issues that really touch families these days: economic issues and how she will respond to those, as well as the very important issue of our freedoms, particularly the freedom of healthcare for women but the freedom of all of us, which could be suppressed if Donald Trump and his gang take over our government, having admired foreign dictators like Viktor Orban and seeming to have some affinity for Hitler and Hitler's generals. That kind of authoritarian approach is quite a turn from the democracy we have enjoyed, and that's what's at stake. It'll also be interesting that we have the youthful candidate now in this race. I believe President Trump will be the oldest nominee of any political party in American history, and our candidate is more of a new generation. And I expect that her vice-presidential nominee will be part of that—nominee will be part of that. As far as vice-presidential selection, she has so many to choose from. You've listed several of them, the most prominent. I think the overriding consideration will be who can help us in those battleground states because this is still a very close race, and frankly, I think it's an uphill race where Donald Trump has the advantage right now. But we have new tactics that are obviously creating great challenges for the Republicans, as they desperately talk of lawsuits and other claims. It's really just an indication that they don't know how to handle a candidate with the talent and ability to excite voters that Vice President Harris represents.
Amna Nawaz: That is Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas joining us tonight. Congressman, thank you for your time, as always. Good to speak with you, sir.
Congressman Doggett: Thank you so much.
Congressman Doggett: It's good to join you, Amna. You've now seen what's happened in the last 24 hours. Donors have come back into the fold, and the party seems to be lining up behind Harris. You had previously said that a mini-primary of some sort would be good for the next nominee and actually help to strengthen that person. Do you still want to see that happen?
Congressman Doggett: Well, I think that was the preferable approach. When I called on President Biden to step aside three weeks ago, it was in favor of a fair, open, and democratic process. But I must say that the past 24 hours have been pretty amazing. And there's a question: if we had such a primary, who else would be in it besides the vice president? She has, in less than 24 hours, raised over $100 million and secured, as you noted, the endorsement of every person I've heard of who was a possible candidate. So, while I think that process would have been better, and it would have been better if we hadn't waited three weeks to get to this point, under these circumstances, I think it's improbable that we do anything other than address this at the convention.
Amna Nawaz: But, Congressman, if there doesn't seem to be anyone who's going to step in to challenge her and it looks like all the delegates are lining up behind her, she's not at that number yet—1,976—but she could be, in at least an Associated Press unofficial survey so far. Why wait until the convention to get this sorted? Does it make sense for her as a potential nominee to have more time as the presumptive nominee?
Congressman Doggett: Well, I think if she's the only person seeking the nomination, it would be pretty clear to everyone that she is our nominee. The convention is the traditional place for doing this, with the 50-state roll call and the territories. So, I think that's probably the best place to do it in an open way. And I believe what you're seeing is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm that was lacking only a few days ago. We lagged for a year behind President Trump. Now we have a fighting chance to overcome him. And I think the enthusiasm and outreach she will be doing will make this convention an exciting event for people to watch.
Amna Nawaz: So, Congressman, is that as close to an endorsement as we're going to get from you right now? You haven't outright endorsed her yet.
Congressman Doggett: Oh...
Amna Nawaz: Will you?
Congressman Doggett: Yes, I think it's just a matter of allowing more than 24 hours to ensure there are no other candidates that want to get into the race. I don't expect there to be any. I expect to do an endorsement, along with others who have not yet joined, because we think—and I have always thought—that she would be an excellent nominee. I just felt it was important to have a process that allowed any and all comers who could meet the requirements of the rules to come and participate. I anticipated that perhaps some would. She began with such an advantage with the endorsement of President Biden, which was so firm yesterday, and then through the great work she's done to win over apparently every possible opponent, as well as so many other elected officials, governors, and party officials around the country. It speaks very well of her and suggests the kind of effective campaign she will run.
Amna Nawaz: So tell me more about that potential campaign, knowing the Republican ticket she would be running against and with a potential running mate. How do you think she can best run that campaign? And what's the message she needs to go out with if she's confirmed as the nominee?
Congressman Doggett: Well, first...
Amna Nawaz: And who do you think would be a good running mate for her to help shore up that message?
Congressman Doggett: First, she can point to the accomplishments of the last three and a half years—significant accomplishments that both she and President Biden had a hand in. Second, I think she will point to the issues that really touch families these days: economic issues and how she will respond to those, as well as the very important issue of our freedoms, particularly the freedom of healthcare for women but the freedom of all of us, which could be suppressed if Donald Trump and his gang take over our government, having admired foreign dictators like Viktor Orban and seeming to have some affinity for Hitler and Hitler's generals. That kind of authoritarian approach is quite a turn from the democracy we have enjoyed, and that's what's at stake. It'll also be interesting that we have the youthful candidate now in this race. I believe President Trump will be the oldest nominee of any political party in American history, and our candidate is more of a new generation. And I expect that her vice-presidential nominee will be part of that—nominee will be part of that. As far as vice-presidential selection, she has so many to choose from. You've listed several of them, the most prominent. I think the overriding consideration will be who can help us in those battleground states because this is still a very close race, and frankly, I think it's an uphill race where Donald Trump has the advantage right now. But we have new tactics that are obviously creating great challenges for the Republicans, as they desperately talk of lawsuits and other claims. It's really just an indication that they don't know how to handle a candidate with the talent and ability to excite voters that Vice President Harris represents.
Amna Nawaz: That is Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas joining us tonight. Congressman, thank you for your time, as always. Good to speak with you, sir.
Congressman Doggett: Thank you so much.