"We're Not Done With Surprises Yet:" Norm Ornstein on the Campaign Ahead | Amanpour and Company

The world’s attention turns to Kamala Harris after President Biden’s Sunday surprise: the announcement that he’s dropping out of the race and endorsing Harris as his successor. The Vice President praised Biden’s character and record today in her first public remarks since the announcement. Endorsements for Harris are coming in fast and furious from heavyweight Democrats, including potential rivals, who hope a candidate Harris offers their best chance at defeating Donald Trump in November. There appears to be little appetite for a contested convention, and so far no one else has announced their candidacy. Norm Ornstein is a veteran political observer and election expert. For discussion on what may be next, Ornstein joined the program from Washington, D.C.
Originally aired on July 22, 2024
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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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[@sooz9433]

This has always been an election about Decency, Integrity and Democracy. It's sad that it took President Biden's announcement to bring the focus back to that fact.

[@jimplummer4879]

Totally Agree. Pres. Biden is a true American for doing what he did.

[@themanagement1535]

The world is indeed strange, often melancholy, but also sometimes it can be wonderful...

[@pleasebeinteresting]

😂I don’t agree

[@jimplummer4879]

@@pleasebeinteresting no I'm not whoever you are.

[@Flintlock1776]

@@jimplummer4879 No, his handlers just got caught covering for his pathetic ass. He was forced out against his will.

[@jklappenbach]

First: DEI is just code for the n-word. Kamala has served in the DA's office for SF, the AG for CA, an accomplished Senator for CA, and now VP. There's not a single participation trophy in that history. As far as signs that the base is electrified? How about the fact that we, the base, have collectively raised over $100M in small contributions for Kamala in 24 hours? You weren't aware? That's a record. And the contributions are still rolling in. Scanning TikTok and Threads, you'll find the last two days of posts have been absolutely remarkable in their volume and energy. I haven't seen anything like this since Obama in 2008. Your reporters and analysts need to do a much better job. Unless, you're trying to keep your audience ignorant. How about you start earning your paycheck?

[@asphaltpilgrim]

First: They used that in the context of what the Republicans will say - and they are right. Code or not, it will work on some people (and no, not "just racists".) As far as the fundraising goes, yeah - great start. Does it prove that Kamala is "Electrifying the base"? No, it proves that the base thinks there is a chance of winning now - real low bar the Dems have set. This 6 minute segment was perfectly reasonable. How about you drop the condescending derision? This ain't over yet, the world is watching - and we don't get a vote.

[@buzoff4642]

DEI candidate is derisive slur for racists' only white men are competent. As infantile as "haters" and "double-haters". The Mr remarked on the fundraising spike. I told him, it didn't work for Sanders. It's not over til the fat lady sings, as the saying goes.

[@privateconcierge3375]

Very Well Said! Thank You!

[@CB-vg1wq]

I listened to this and thankfully your comment was the first. I completely agree with your eloquent comment. Calling Kamala Harris a DEI is an insult to a lawyer who has worked hard her whole life. I have complete confidence in her abilities to lead the country and help the make Americans lives better.

[@bobgriffith1810]

@@CB-vg1wq Just like the laughable border czar,, what a joke

[@sharonhearne5014]

Simply stated the current environment around this coming election is the survival of America as a democracy: you can toss out arguments pro and con but it is democracy on the line and THAT is the only key storyline.

[@StarGazerJim]

I’m not looking forward to the overwhelming amount of hate, racism, and bigotry that is about to be unleashed on Kamala Harris.

[@anandaadidevi2339]

She knows and is ready to deal with it.

[@gretchenrobinson825]

Ignore it. It signifies nothing. Join in the exuberance and excitement. This is the change we need.

[@sdmairs2386]

You missed the opportunity to press Ornstein on what he meant by, "We're not done with the surprises yet."

[@mcg1119]

Opposition research on Harris & her veep pick, maybe more Trump dirt (but people don't seem to care about his flaws), or maybe something about the DNC (again, no one cares what the RNC does).

[@ConradNeill]

Then they wouldn't be surprises.

[@pinverarity]

I think he just meant “all kinds of unanticipated things will undoubtedly transpire,” not “I am aware of specific upcoming surprises.” The ‘we’ in “we’re not done” would be like the ‘we’ in a phrase like “we aren’t out of the woods yet,” referring to a general situation.

[@joane8651]

Yes, Norm, you brought back memories---

[@lizhall2961]

Democracy at stake is the real issue even if Biden had stayed in. We dont need another GOP justice. It was decent of him to bow out. And then for many, " its the economy bstupid." And the culture war. More important than the president, is the election of moderate Congress members. I have had enough of arrogant MAGA Johnson, Green, Gates, Boehart. Hoping for moderate majority.

[@pleasebeinteresting]

They kicked him out

[@buzoff4642]

In an interview by Isaacson last week, of Wolves of K Street, - for every $1 of the publics' groups lobbying in Washington, commerce/industry is spending $860. - commerce/industry's lobbying spending is split 60%/40%, with the 60% going to whichever of the two are currently in power. Of course, this aligns the parties to them. Lose/lose for the public, regardless of who's occupying those seats.

[@zachary_attackery]

Your party just installed someone as the nominee who the people didn't vote for and you're whining about "democracy" lol

[@PaulLembo]

Dump’s chances just got worse. Stop pretending that is a mystery.

[@jb6879]

I hope you are right.

[@eschwarz1003]

interviewer asks "is this an election about decency and democracy?" um YES CLEAR CUT

[@JosephHuether]

The timing of Biden’s “step away” and endorsement of Harris…coming on the heels of the RNC with its truly awful nominee’s speech and those idiotic “Wag the Dog” ear bandages…just kinda makes you wonder if it was intentional. Perhaps Biden isn’t quite as “out of it” as everyone has been thinking.

[@Rhythmicons]

It wouldn't have made sense for Biden to drop out during the RNC and let them refocus their message while they got all that media coverage.

[@wonmoreminute]

If intentional, they should have dropped it in the final hours of the RNC while Trump was on stage.

[@deesus1085]

So you’re saying skirting democracy is a chess move? 😂

[@deancato3511]

What an idiotic and conspirator type reaction… I see this all over… Are the Trump morons right about y’all???

[@xsnjkwfeny-wr9qr]

@@deesus1085 like skirting jail time like teflon orange shit stain Don Dump.

[@jeremiahmurphy1266]

Does anyone else believe that President Joe Biden held on as a candidate, until after the Republican Convention was over? It was a brilliantly timed announcement!

[@dougn2350]

Biden wanted to steal the thunder from the Repugnants freak show

[@LMM7880]

If Biden had dropped his withdrawal letter during Trump’s acceptance speech I would have liked seeing the after effects. All media coverage would have switched to Biden’s announcement.

[@markhockman1368]

I don't.

[@pointpleasant6708]

Norm Orenstein is always spellbinding. 😊

[@genovo]

In addition to warning about democracy, I'd like to see Joe Biden smile in his speech at the convention. Show enthusiasm and hope with joy not just fear.

[@stanglassman]

We love Norm. What could have been if Sen. Franken haven’t gotten railroaded out of the Senate by Jilibrand. AF was POTUS material. He and Bo Biden should have been running for the Democratic nomination this year.

[@renzo6490]

Does everyone know what a DEI candidate is? I do not.

[@dougn2350]

A candidate who believes in Diversity, Education and Inclusion. Something repugnant to the right

[@oldbeatpete]

(Reactionary males think that women and minorities are going to take their money).

[@carolcisko6768]

It created excitement 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💙💙💙💙

[@dcspangler8025]

Two different standards put forth from media. Sad to say the "money" gets to put theirs front & center.

[@stephensgrad07]

American Enterprise Institute is very narrow-minded conservative think tank.

[@gretchenrobinson825]

The logjam has been broken, the ice dam sundered. What a relief.

[@user-hc8ki1rl4t]

Why is it so hard for the Democratic Party to find a smart, charismatic male stud in his 40s?

[@oldbeatpete]

😂

[@rlarsen4562]

Norm Ornstein always delivers solid and entertaining commentary

[@oneshoewoo]

What we have to do is unite behind Harris. Stop interrupting when your guest are speaking. We're not interested in anything you have to say. Just fearmonging. Mr Orenstein iszwhy I'm here.

[@mjinba07]

Most interviewers interrupt. They have their own agenda for the sound byte. Or they can't tell a seasoned guest who knows how to keep their comments short and on point from those who ramble. It's annoying.

[@user-vy5nd2fe9o]

Words of WISDOM!!!👍👍

[@timdykes6675]

Can’t wait for the October surprise

[@Em-wb4kf]

I can't believe how polls are trying to read the climate within days of Kamala being given the candidacy. Give her a break! Give her time!

[@user-vy5nd2fe9o]

HARRIS 2024!!!!! 👍👍 The PARTY has just BEGUN!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Galacticpurveyor]

Ornstein as usual knows what he’s talking about.

[@ObserveVideo]

Always a big fan of (Almost) Cousin Norman Ornstein. Great take.

[@dennisgabriel9641]

I don't understand why some would think that Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion is a bad thing. Seems pretty positive to me.

[@oldbeatpete]

(not if you're trying to keep all the money to yourselves).

[@anandaadidevi2339]

This guy is out to lunch. She's already got people fired up all over the country. His commentary is useless.

[@illinoisan]

I didn’t want Biden for the nominee in 2020 and then I didn’t want him to quit in 2024. I never bought into the narrative that he’s in any kind of cognitive decline or that he couldn’t beat Trump. Polling methodology is a total mess; fundamental conditions are a much more reliable indicator.

[@duncanstewart6381]

Free Moldova 🇲🇩 ✨️ 💙

[@mrfloydp]

That’s the problem with DEI. It increases racial and gender based prejudice, discrimination, and resentment. We’ve had enough of the incessant racism and sexism cards being played, and it is going to cost the Dems.

[@bellevue260]

Absolutely. Can she do the job based on my values? That's what determines my vote. Otherwise she is an American like any legal citizen out there.

[@oldbeatpete]

how about Republican ageism!😅

[@ignaciourena5692]

Before Kamala he had some possibilities today he is done. Polls nowadays are so manipulated.

[@Mmmyess]

The elephant in the room is Gretchen Whitmer. Any conversation of this sort that ignores her presence and energy isn't journalism.

[@mrdenson3101]

She is free to throw her hat in the ring

[@mcg1119]

She says she wants to stay in Michigan. Washington politics aren't for everyone.

[@rcpmac]

Hear that Tesla shoppers? Musk is into trump for $45m a month. Lots of good and better EV's out there.

[@mcg1119]

That Elon is on the right isn't news, yet liberal people of comfy net worth still buy his cars and use Twitter/X.

[@ConradNeill]

It's odd that Musk is backing a party that hates electric vehicles and wants to eliminate subsidies for them.

[@chuckhall5347]

And why do Teslas cost so much? Maybe paying the CEO 56 billion dollars is pushing the prices up.

[@CrankyCorvid]

Aaaand, he backed out of that a couple of days after making that announcement 😂😂😂. Per Reuters, he “said in a post on X on Tuesday that he never said he was donating $45 million per month to Republican Donald Trump.” Gee, why did I expect that.

[@chuckhall5347]

Check the polls again after the Democratic convention and the Trump sentencing.

[@martypoll]

For voters with doubts about the Democratic party this is a race about the cost of living. As long as prices remain high in voters eyes the Democrats will suffer. Prices are not going to drop this year if ever.

[@Rhythmicons]

Is Whitmer isn't in the running I like Kelly better than Shapiro.

[@cassandratq9301]

Me, too.

[@jamesmcintyre3456]

Not everyone knows what a DEI person is! And of course, the host has to play both sides as if they were equally patriotic and honest. I don't think I need to clarify that any further than saying Fox it's not a news channel, it's entertainment for the poorly educated.... Sorry, but I call 'em as I see them 😱

[@michaelboguski4743]

I think Harris's biggest risk is coming off too Coy, too Slick, if you will... I think she should Stop Smiling and give it the super serious face from here on in.... The situation in America is so serious, let's cut the congratulatory happy tone entirely and hammer away for Social Security and Medicare and Fair Taxation on Wealth.

[@benbullard2298]

Don't dems have do their nomination before their convention in order to get their candidate on the ballot in Ohio? My understanding is that has to be done with in 11-18 days.

[@cassandratq9301]

Incorrect.

[@benbullard2298]

@@cassandratq9301 Yes technically incorrect, I just read that the cutoff date for the Presidential election in Ohio is Aug. 7. But that law changes on Sept. 1 to Sept 1. Democrats seem to want to meet the earlier date which would be before their convention.

[@jeremiahmurphy1266]

What does DEI candidate mean?

[@pinverarity]

In this case it means Decency, Ethics & Intelligence.

[@Jisafreebirdie]

🚩💙VOTE HARRIS🚩💙

[@cityman1111]

Apparently Norm forgot that Bobby Kennedy was assassinated.

[@MAgaSUXX]

Trump’s idiotic pick JD Vance for vice president cost him the election

[@RealProgressive-sy5oy]

The next big thing will be the news that 300 million Americans want to hear. That is that the Mango Mussolini has passed away peacefully in his sleep. What a great moment in American history that would be.

[@user-pj6lu9lh1y]

New reality show : Games of Younger President ? Trump can drop out to let his young VP to be the presidential election candidate ? Then any younger candidates ( say 19 years young ?) become Vance's VP ?

[@frankblangeard8865]

The United States deserves President Harris. The United States has earned her. Pete Buttigieg would be a perfect choice for VP. Eight years of Harris followed by eight years of Pete. Think of what the U.S. would be like after those sixteen years (if it still existed).

[@davelassiter392]

If Buttigieg is selected then both people on the ticket would have familial roots in Marxism. Harris’s Marxist roots at Berkeley and Buttigieg’s deep dive into Antonio Gramsci’s writings.

[@MilissaDeGeorge]

Grasping at Straws... 😪 SMH...😢

[@feverbull]

Sell a 148

[@christaylor8337]

They still have at least one more attempt on Trump's life, so there's that.

[@Pazzi-y3k]

Protest will be in Chicago

[@rickclark3759]

Boring show nothing new

[@lefty2460]

What is DIE?

[@brucegelman5582]

DEI is diversity equity and inclusion

[@lefty2460]

Thank you

[@rhenderson9862]

Announcing Netanyahu as VP...that would come as no surprise.

[@ANYTINGGOESPODCAST]

You are a 🤡

[@ntran74]

This is not a historian. He is a propagandist and he revealed his colors from his very first words by saying he was “relieved.” Can we at least pretend to be balanced in our reporting??

[@pleasebeinteresting]

👮‍♂️Don’t ruin the narrative

[@tombirney7276]

Harris should pick Cheney as VP; Liz won't drink the kool-aid and keep Kamala outside a bubble.

[@boss-ov7jd]

What about Andy?

[@365atr]

The problem is most people know there’s issues with the current administration. It will be difficult for her to tow the line claiming she can make things better, with also not admitting who’s the reason they’re worse.

[@philr5497]

Michelle Obama for VP.

[@felicerobinson5816]

Oh please leave her alone she's done enough. Let her enjoy her life and not be called racist names

[@dot0422]

​@@felicerobinson5816this is true!

[@pleasebeinteresting]

Has Harris been to the border yet?

[@Flintlock1776]

Trump / Vance 2024.

[@brucegelman5582]

Let the delegates pick someone else please

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

Who ?

[@jacquelineotto4148]

I’m sorry. Please go out to vote.

[@mcg1119]

I'm starting to agree with that the more I hear Harris speak and read stories about her.

[@ConradNeill]

@@mcg1119 Where are you reading those stories, and are the clips of her speaking being clipped out of context?

[@mcg1119]

@@ConradNeill My view of her speaking have been from watching on TV, and I have a bias because I'm from the SF Bay Area and she always annoyed me with her voice and style. Maybe the country will like her better, since she really is fresh to them comparatively speaking.