March 15, 2020 - Biden Commits to a Woman Running Mate, Sanders Says It’s Likely

At the eleventh Democratic presidential debate, candidates are asked: “How will your cabinet ensure the best advice on issues that affect women’s physical and financial health?” Sanders promises gender parity among his cabinet appointees and administration officials. On policy, he reiterates his support for women’s reproductive freedom, his commitment to addressing domestic violence and the gender wage gap, as well as his support for universal, affordable, high-quality child care. Biden responds with a promise to appoint the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, to appoint a cabinet that “will look like the country,” and to “pick a woman to be vice president.” He explains, “There are a number of women who are qualified to be president tomorrow.” Finally, Biden describes his record on addressing domestic violence and commits to bolstering gun laws to prevent any abuser from owning a gun. Sanders pushes Biden to defend his record of voting for the Hyde Amendment, to which Biden reaffirms his support for women’s right to abortion. When asked by the moderators if he would also commit to selecting a woman running mate, Sanders responds: “In all likelihood, I will. For me, it’s not just nominating a woman, it is making sure that we have a progressive woman and there are progressive women out there. So my very strong tendency is to move in that direction.”