Making the Case for Tammy Duckworth

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is pushing back his decision on announcing a running mate until next week before the start of the Democratic National Convention. Potential contenders: Sen. Kamala Harris, Congresswoman Karen Bass and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.

The Illinois Democrat formed a relationship with Biden’s wife, Jill, when she worked under the Obama administration in the Department of Veterans Affairs as an assistant secretary. During her time in this position, the Bidens and Duckworth convened on a number of issues, especially relating to homeless veterans.

There is an undeniable bond there. In 2012, when Duckworth won a Chicago House seat, she worked with Jill on more veteran protection issues.

Duckworth also introduced Beau—Biden’s son who died of cancer and a member of the Delaware National Guard—at the Democratic National Convention in 2008.

As an American hero and Iraqi War veteran, Duckworth brings a focus on veterans’ affairs to the Democratic ticket, a trait that Biden and his wife both admire.

She “has one of the most extraordinary stories in politics,” David Axelrod, a political strategist and former adviser to President Barack Obama, told the Chicago Sun-Times. “Obviously it’s a heroic story, but it’s also an incredible story of resilience and perseverance, of patriotism and about empathy. It’s the stuff of movies, it’s the stuff of novels, her life story, and there are not too many people like that around.”

Duckworth received the Purple Heart and lost both legs while in combat during the Iraq War—making her the only contender with military experience. Despite her intense injuries, Duckworth served for the Illinois National Guard until 2014.

“Anyone who knows him well knows what the United States military means to him,” a confidant close to Biden told The Hill. “And the fact of the matter is, she doesn’t just check the boxes, she has an incredible story and it represents not only who the vice president is at his core but the narrative he’s been talking about since his campaign began.”

Early life, she and her family were  once on food stamps. If chosen as vice president, Duckworth could rally support from voters who’ve also experienced what it’s like to be on food stamps. She could relate to poorer and less privileged communities.