Harris VP watch (1 Viewer)

[Incumbent]

This topic is spread out across threads. Think it would be helpful to have some focused discussion while we await a decision.

I’m warming up to Shapiro and I like his message in this clip. It’s a fundamental contrast to what Trump offers.

 

[Booker]

Who could Kamala Harris pick as her VP? Here are 10 potential running mates

Vice President Kamala Harris will have to choose a running mate soon.

www.cbsnews.com

Solid list of 10. Here are my downsides to each pick:

1. Sen. Kelley (AZ) - risks a Sen seat in 2026 when new election
2. Gov. Shapiro (PA) - Pro-Israel talk risk young voters who are Pro-Gaza, 1yr as Gov.
3. Gov. Beshear (KY) - not a swing state
4. Gov. Whitmer (MI) - all female ticket
5. Gov. Pritzker (IL) - billionaire, not a swing state
6. Gov. Newsom (CA) - all CA ticket can’t work
7. Gov. Moore (MD) - all minority ticket
8. Sec. Buttigieg - doesn’t check straight white male box
9. Gov. Cooper (NC) - 67yo, limited future
10. Gov. Waltz (MN) - ???

I look at the list and think the 2-term Gov. Waltz, Cooper, and Bashear make the most sense followed by Sen Kelly.

I think Cooper makes the most sense and would be the strongest ticket. Two term governor from the southeast, also a former AG, doesn't risk a Senate seat, non-threatening CIS white guy, and I think his age could be a positive as he's seasoned and would have credibility in the role. He'd be a nice complement.

 

[Incumbent]

You guys can take this for what it’s worth. I’ve followed this guy for a while. He’s got great political insights

Certainly hits on observations made here.

 

[Incumbent]

I think Cooper makes the most sense and would be the strongest ticket. Two term governor from the southeast, also a former AG, doesn't risk a Senate seat, non-threatening CIS white guy, and I think his age could be a positive as he's seasoned and would have credibility in the role. He'd be a nice complement.

Very reasonable take.

 

[Booker]

Two new names being vetted:

Sharp guy (Buttigieg), but I think he probably hurts more than helps. Definitely better choices.

Regarding Beshear, I like him and think he's got a future, but leave him where he is and give him a prominent speaking role at the convention. If the ticket goes down he's a potential candidate in 2028.

 

[Incumbent]

Sharp guy, but I think he probably hurts more than helps. Definitely better choices.

Pete? If so, I unfortunately have to agree.

 

[DJ1BigTymer]

I would be for Sen Kelly if he wasn't the Sen from AZ, he's more important in that role. Gov Cooper would be the equivalent of HRC picking Sen Kaine. My dream would be either Gov Whitmer or Gov Moore, but I know what country I live in and that will not work here. The reality is that she needs a young charismatic white dude on the ticket with her in order to win and effectively govern. I can't think of anyone in congress that fits that mold, the charismatic/young are mostly women.

 

[zztop]

starting to see Minnesota Governor Tim Walz mentioned in a few places

 

[Booker]

I would be for Sen Kelly if he wasn't the Sen from AZ, he's more important in that role. Gov Cooper would be the equivalent of HRC picking Sen Kaine. My dream would be either Gov Whitmer or Gov Moore, but I know what country I live in and that will not work here. The reality is that she needs a young charismatic white dude on the ticket with her in order to win and effectively govern. I can't think of anyone in congress that fits that mold, the charismatic/young are mostly women.

I think Cooper would be a much stronger choice than Tim Kaine, or John Edwards if you want to look back little further. Those were two terrible picks who brought nothing to the ticket, while Cooper would bring credible executive experience, and potentially throw North Carolina into the mix.

 

[Incumbent]

The friendship between Harris and Cooper is an interesting angle. I can think about this from the perspective of how the party sets itself up 4-8 years down the road, but that’s not Harris’s concern. She’s got to think about who she can work with the best as both a candidate and in an administration.

 

[GrandAdmiral]

Gov. Newsom (CA) - all CA ticket can’t work

There are some who thinks folks are misinterpreting the Constitution.

Coast is clear, Rubio: US Constitution allows President and VPs candidates from same state

Does the U.S. Constitution prevent candidates from running for President and Vice President if they come from the same state? If so, why?

www.palmbeachpost.com

Historically, this seems like a valid interpretation that the courts will need to decide.

 

[Incumbent]

I would be for Sen Kelly if he wasn't the Sen from AZ, he's more important in that role.

I agree this is a concern. Arizona doesn’t have an encouraging record of electing Democratic senators in recent history. (Sinema doesn’t do anything to instill confidence on that point.)

 

[wardorican]

The friendship between Harris and Cooper is an interesting angle. I can think about this from the perspective of how the party sets itself up 4-8 years down the road, but that’s not Harris’s concern. She’s got to think about who she can work with the best as both a candidate and in an administration.

4-8 years down the road, she could still be president.

 

[Incumbent]

There are some who thinks folks are misinterpreting the Constitution.

Coast is clear, Rubio: US Constitution allows President and VPs candidates from same state

Does the U.S. Constitution prevent candidates from running for President and Vice President if they come from the same state? If so, why?

www.palmbeachpost.com

Historically, this seems like a valid interpretation that the courts will need to decide.

I think Democrats need to steer as wide as possible away from any potential legal challenges.

 

[wardorican]

I agree this is a concern. Arizona doesn’t have an encouraging record of electing Democratic senators in recent history. (Sinema doesn’t do anything to instill confidence on that point.)

Agreed. The things some democrats don't like about Kelly is what helps him in AZ. Best for the party is him being the AZ senator for now.

 

[Incumbent]

4-8 years down the road, she could still be president.

Sure. Or not. I’m saying it in the context of selecting a running mate who could improve their own standing as a future presidential candidate. That’s not ideally Cooper. (But there are other things to like about him as the pick.)

 

[GrandAdmiral]

I think Democrats need to steer as wide as possible away from any potential legal challenges.

No argument there. I was just pointing it out because I've been hearing others (not here) with the same interpretation.

 

[wardorican]

I don't know Cooper at all, but on paper he makes sense.

I really like Pete, but I understand the concerns. However, I'd really love to see/hear him debate JD Vance. It would be a clean, concise take down. He'd be less likely to over politics it.

I think in the Trump style headlines type quotes. Pete would do well to deflate a lot of it.

Obviously he can do that outside of debates like he does on news shows.

 

[Optimus Prime]

I've always been impressed with Pete every time I see him interviewed

Post debate Maryland Gov Wes Moore was mentioned quite a bit, once Biden actually stepped aside I've barely heard his name come up