Harris VP Pick: Cooper and Whitmer Out of the Running – What’s Next for Team Biden?

The VP race is heating up! With the Democratic National Convention just around the corner, speculation about Joe Biden’s running mate is reaching a fever pitch. And the latest news? Two potential contenders, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have officially ruled themselves out.

But what does this mean for Biden? And who’s still in the running? Let’s dive into the latest developments and analyze the potential impact on the upcoming election.

The Cooper and Whitmer Withdrawals

Both Cooper and Whitmer are well-respected Democratic leaders with strong credentials. Cooper, a lawyer and former state attorney general, has served as Governor of North Carolina since 2017. He’s gained national attention for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly his resistance to President Trump’s administration.

Whitmer, also a lawyer, has served as Governor of Michigan since 2019. She’s known for her progressive policies, including her focus on education and healthcare. Whitmer has also been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies and has faced threats from extremist groups.

Why did they rule themselves out?

Neither Cooper nor Whitmer has publicly stated their reasons for withdrawing from consideration. However, several factors may have played a role.

• Focus on Governing: Both governors are currently leading their states through challenging times, particularly with the ongoing pandemic and economic downturn. Stepping down from their roles to campaign nationwide would require significant effort and potentially disrupt their state’s progress.

• Biden’s Preference: It’s possible that Biden has already narrowed his focus to other candidates.

• Potential Drawbacks: Cooper and Whitmer both face potential criticisms, such as Cooper’s recent budget cuts or Whitmer’s controversial response to protests over the Flint water crisis.

The VP Race: A Quick Recap

The VP race has been a rollercoaster ride from the start. Here’s a quick rundown of the key developments so far:

• Early Favorites: Senator Kamala Harris (CA), Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA), and Stacey Abrams (former Georgia gubernatorial candidate) emerged as early frontrunners.

• The “Short List” Emerges: Biden has signaled his preference for experienced and qualified candidates, leading to the emergence of a “short list” that includes several senators, governors, and representatives.

• Diversity and Representation: Biden has stated his commitment to selecting a woman of color for the Vice Presidency. This has added another layer of complexity to the selection process, but it’s also a key factor in attracting diverse voters.

Who’s Still in the Running?

While Cooper and Whitmer are no longer in the picture, the race for VP is still wide open. Here are some of the key remaining contenders:

• Senator Kamala Harris (CA): Harris is arguably the frontrunner, with her strong record in the Senate and her experience as a former Attorney General. Her experience with criminal justice reform and her stance on racial justice are seen as strengths. However, her past criticisms of Biden during the primaries might be a challenge.

• Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA): Warren is known for her progressive policies and her expertise in economics. She’s also a strong advocate for women and families. Her experience in the Senate and her outspokenness on key issues could be appealing to many voters. However, her progressive stances might alienate some moderate voters.

• Stacey Abrams (Former GA Gubernatorial Candidate): Abrams is a rising star in the Democratic Party and is known for her work on voter registration and voting rights. She’s also a strong advocate for economic justice and affordable healthcare. Her experience in Georgia, a key swing state, could be valuable. However, her lack of experience in elected office might be a concern for some.

• Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL): Duckworth is a decorated veteran and former Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. She’s also a strong advocate for women and families. Her experience in the Senate and her record on veterans’ issues could be valuable. However, her lack of national profile might be a disadvantage.

• Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM): Lujan Grisham is a strong progressive leader and a former congresswoman. She’s also a strong advocate for education and healthcare. Her experience in the House and her work on key issues could be valuable. However, her lack of national profile might be a disadvantage.

The Stakes are High

The selection of a Vice President is a critical decision for any presidential candidate. The VP candidate will play a key role in the campaign, be prepared to step in as president if needed, and help shape the administration’s policies.

What’s Next?

Biden is expected to make his decision in the coming weeks. The Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 17-20, is likely to be the stage for the announcement.

The VP pick will have a significant impact on the outcome of the election. Stay tuned for more updates as this crucial race unfolds!

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