Harris’s VP List: Whitmer and Cooper Out, But Who’s Still In the Running?

The VP Buzz is Back! Remember that time when everyone was speculating about Kamala Harris’s potential running mates? Well, the whispers are back, and this time, it’s about who’s on the list to replace her as Joe Biden’s VP in 2024.

The latest buzz centers around two prominent Democratic governors: Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Roy Cooper of North Carolina. Both have been rumored to be in contention for the VP slot, but they’ve just put a big dent in those rumors, declaring they’re not interested.

Whitmer and Cooper: A No-Go for 2024?

Whitmer, known for her strong leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her vocal opposition to Republican efforts to restrict voting rights, has officially said she’s not interested in the VP position. She’s focused on running for re-election in Michigan in 2024, a key swing state that could decide the presidential race.

Cooper, a popular figure in North Carolina, also echoed Whitmer’s sentiments. He’s prioritizing his work as governor and helping his state recover from Hurricane Florence and other challenges.

But Who’s Left? The VP Possibilities Still Await

While Whitmer and Cooper might be out of the running, there’s still a whole field of potential candidates. And the race to be Biden’s VP is shaping up to be a heated one, full of political intrigue, strategic calculations, and public speculation.

The 2024 Landscape: A Focus on Winning

Here’s what’s driving the VP selection:

• Winning the Election: Biden’s team is likely looking for someone who can energize voters and bring key states into the Democratic fold.

• Experience and Expertise: The ideal VP will have a strong track record of success in government or policy areas, and can potentially be ready to step into the Presidency if needed.

• Demographic Appeal: The VP pick could be strategically chosen to appeal to certain demographic groups that are crucial to winning the election.

Looking Back: The 2020 VP Pick

Remember the 2020 election? Biden’s VP pick, Kamala Harris, was chosen for several key reasons:

• Balancing the Ticket: She brought diversity and representation to the ticket, attracting a wider range of voters.

• Experience in Law and Politics: Her background in the Senate and as California Attorney General gave her a solid understanding of policy and governance.

• Campaigning Power: Harris was a strong campaigner, energizing audiences and mobilizing voters.

The Stakes Are High: What’s Next?

So, who’s still in the running for 2024?

• Susan Rice: A seasoned diplomat and former National Security Advisor, Rice has the foreign policy expertise that could appeal to voters.

• Stacey Abrams: The Georgia voting rights activist and former gubernatorial candidate has a strong following and a track record of mobilizing voters.

• Pete Buttigieg: The former South Bend mayor and Transportation Secretary has a strong progressive record and a growing national profile.

• Amy Klobuchar: The Minnesota Senator has experience in government and a reputation for being a pragmatic, bipartisan figure.

Beyond the Names: The Bigger Picture

The VP selection is about more than just names. It’s about strategy, demographics, and building a winning ticket.

• Demographics and Representation: The VP pick needs to resonate with diverse voters, including minorities, women, and younger voters.

• Policy Focus: The VP will need to be ready to tackle major policy challenges, from climate change to economic inequality.

• Presidential Readiness: The VP should have the skills and experience to potentially assume the presidency, should the need arise.

The VP Race: A Key to 2024

With the 2024 election approaching, the VP selection is becoming a critical piece of the puzzle. Who will Biden choose? The speculation is sure to continue, with the stakes high and the spotlight on the potential VP candidates. One thing is certain: this race for the second-highest office in the land is going to be a fascinating one to watch!