Contributions by Norma Adams-Wade, Allana J. Barefield, Ashley Moss, and Marva Sneed The Democratic nominee’s much-anticipated decision was recently announced to mixed reviews. Former Vice President Joe Biden heeded the wishes of many as he announced the selection of Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate. In 2017, the Howard University graduate and Oakland CA native became the second Black woman and the first Asian-American U.S. senator. After an unsuccessful presidential bid, Sen. Harris remained at the top of many lists as a potential running mate for whomever was victorious in a very crowded field. The former San Francisco District Attorney and California Attorney General was optimistic after the announcement and so were others. Dale Long, retired City of Dallas administrator and veteran mentor with Big Brother, Big Sister organization. A former KDFW-TV Fox 4 Hometown Hero - “I’ve been watching the news all day. I like her (Kamala Harris) and liked her when she was running against Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination. She stands out as the only incumbent African-American female U. S. Senator. She comes across as very smart. She knows the business, knows the country, and has an impressive background as the former District Attorney in San Francisco. Looking ahead, she might be the right person to follow after Biden and become President. I suspect President Trump will find a way to beat up on her because he is working hard to find ways to get re-elected. He has already said that Biden made a mistake by boxing himself in, saying he would pick a woman VP. Trump said that statement could be an insult to men.” Betty Culbreath, political operative, Republican Party member, former chair of Dallas City Plan Commission and member of various city boards, including former chair of the DFW Airport Board - “Frankly, I hope that she will help the (Democratic) ticket, although Biden presumably would take the Black vote anyway. I had thought maybe he would pick someone from a southern state to help draw that vote. I hope people won’t get hung up on (Harris’) race as a factor and (Biden) lose out by some people not voting because of that. If I had been Biden, I probably would have gone with Susan Rice (former National Security Advisor) because of her service and experience. President Trump likely will continue to attack Harris as being too aggressive, painting that as a weakness and unwomanly, while many others see her as strong and smart. I don’t think Trump’s strategy will work. But people who are for Trump are going to be for him regardless. But the undecided voters will make a difference. Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Sr. Pastor - Friendship-West Baptist Church - “I am hyped with anticipation! Kamala Harris is a dynamic force of nature. She is brilliant, competent and eloquent. Joe Biden has done this nation a great service by selecting her as his running mate. We will need that kind of transformative ticket at the top to rescue this nation from the double pandemic we are in! “ Thomas Muhammad, chair of the National