Harris VP Picks: Cooper and Whitmer Out of the Running, What’s Next for the Democratic Ticket?

The 2020 presidential election is heating up, and speculation about who will be Joe Biden’s running mate is at fever pitch. With the Democratic National Convention just weeks away, the pressure is on to choose a VP who can energize the base, appeal to swing voters, and ultimately help Biden defeat President Trump.

Two names that were initially considered front-runners for the VP slot were North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Both governors have garnered national attention for their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, their progressive stances on issues like healthcare and education, and their ability to win in traditionally red states.

But it seems the Democratic ticket might be looking elsewhere. Both Cooper and Whitmer have officially ruled themselves out of the running, leaving the VP selection wide open and sparking a fresh wave of speculation about who will be Biden’s pick.

Let’s take a closer look at why Cooper and Whitmer bowed out of the race and what their decisions might mean for the Democratic ticket moving forward.

Cooper: Focusing on North Carolina and Battling the Pandemic

Governor Roy Cooper’s decision to stay in North Carolina was driven by his desire to continue leading the state through the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. With the pandemic still very much a reality in the Tar Heel state, Cooper felt his focus needed to be on navigating the health and economic challenges it presents.

This decision is understandable, considering the significant role governors play in leading their states through this unprecedented public health emergency. Cooper’s leadership in North Carolina has been praised by many, with his approval rating sitting at 57% as of July 2020, according to a recent poll.

While Cooper’s decision to stay in North Carolina might disappoint some Democrats, it highlights his commitment to the people he serves and his focus on addressing the immediate needs of his state. This dedication could potentially resonate with voters in North Carolina, a crucial swing state in the 2020 election.

Whitmer: A Rising Star Stays Grounded

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to stay in Michigan also seems driven by her commitment to her current role. Whitmer, who is widely considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s handling of the pandemic and has become a national figure due to her leadership during this challenging period.

Whitmer’s approval rating in Michigan has also been high, reaching 62% in April 2020, according to a poll by EPIC-MRA. This strong support is likely due to her decisive actions in fighting the pandemic, including her implementation of stay-at-home orders and mask mandates.

While Whitmer’s decision to stay in Michigan may have disappointed some who saw her as a potential vice president, it demonstrates her dedication to her constituents and her desire to continue making a difference at the state level. This commitment, combined with her strong track record, could solidify her position as a future leader within the Democratic Party.

What’s Next for Biden’s VP Selection?

With Cooper and Whitmer out of the running, the field of potential VP picks is now wider than ever. Some of the remaining contenders include:

• Senator Kamala Harris (California): A strong advocate for progressive policies and a seasoned politician with experience in the Senate and as Attorney General of California. Harris is seen as a strong contender due to her high profile and her ability to connect with a diverse electorate.
• Senator Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts): Known for her expertise in economics and her outspoken criticism of Wall Street, Warren has a strong base of support within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Her experience in the Senate and her ability to mobilize voters could make her a valuable asset on the ticket.
• Senator Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota): A moderate Democrat with experience in both the Senate and as a prosecutor, Klobuchar is seen as a strong choice for her ability to appeal to swing voters in key states. Her record of working across the aisle could be particularly valuable in a time of intense political polarization.
• Representative Stacey Abrams (Georgia): A voting rights activist and former gubernatorial candidate in Georgia, Abrams has become a national figure for her commitment to progressive values and her ability to mobilize voters in the South. Her strong record in Georgia, a crucial swing state, could make her a powerful addition to the ticket.
• Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (New Mexico): A progressive Democrat with a strong record on healthcare and education, Lujan Grisham has emerged as a potential contender due to her leadership in New Mexico and her ability to connect with Hispanic voters.

The selection of Biden’s running mate is a crucial decision that will shape the direction of the Democratic Party and have a significant impact on the outcome of the 2020 election. With the Democratic National Convention approaching, the pressure is on for Biden to choose a VP who can energize the base, appeal to swing voters, and ultimately help him defeat President Trump.

The decisions by Cooper and Whitmer to stay in their current roles highlight the importance of grassroots leadership and the need to address the challenges facing Americans at the state level. While their absence from the VP race may be a disappointment to some, it underscores the commitment of these leaders to their constituents and their desire to make a difference in their respective states.

As the Democratic race for the VP nomination heats up, the focus will shift to the remaining contenders and their ability to fulfill the critical roles required of a vice president. With the stakes high and the country facing unprecedented challenges, the selection of Biden’s running mate will undoubtedly be a defining moment in the 2020 presidential election.