David Matteson: It is offensive to think just because someone doesn’t look like you they are a DEI hire

To The Daily Sun,

Some people on the right think that Kamala Harris was a diversity, equity and inclusion pick and not the most qualified. I think that they are partially correct. Most intelligent people don’t want the aggravation of political life when they can make more money with less aggravation in the private sector.

Presidential candidates get picked by their parties based on their connections, personalities, fundraising abilities, policies and popularity. Does anyone think that George W. Bush and Al Gore were the best and brightest that their parties had to offer in 2000? Vice president running mates in a way are DEI picks, chosen based on how they help and sometimes diversify the ticket. The vice president either comes from a state they need to win or help offset the presidential candidate’s weakness. Joe Biden helped Barack Obama with older voters maybe concerned about Obama’s youth and inexperience. Mike Pence helped Donald Trump with evangelical voters. Kamala Harris helped Biden with younger, minority and women voters.

Does anyone really think that J.D. Vance with less than two years of experience in the U.S. Senate is the most qualified to serve as vice president and step up if Trump is elected and can’t serve out his term? Mike Pence is much more qualified with four years of experience as vice president but Trump didn’t pick him for 2024.

It is offensive to think that just because someone doesn’t look like you they are a DEI hire and unqualified for their position. Most times the person is qualified but sometimes someone is chosen or hired who is qualified but not the most qualified as other factors come into play.

David Matteson

Meredith