It is that wonderful time of the political season where pundits and operatives play the Veepstakes game for Kamala Harris.
Recently, they did that for Donald Trump and frankly, this writer was relieved when he picked J.D. Vance, a person who believes in a National Abortion Ban and women should stick it out in abusive marriages.
I actually wrote “YES, YES” to my Blog for Arizona colleagues when Trump announced him.
That move was a great gift to the Democratic Party.
Now to the VeepStakes for Kamala Harris.
Michael Bryan has already touched on this in a separate piece yesterday and he suggested a Harris/Whitmer Ticket, referring to the Michigan Governor.
Mr. Bryan is right. That would be a compelling ticket and historic (the first all woman ticket) if that is what comes out of the Democratic Convention. Whitmer could be a great President should the need arise.
It would certainly be fitting considering the repressive to woman’s right duo the Republicans have put up.
Fortunately the Democrats have a deep bench of Executive talent that could be great Presidents. Here is who I think would be good Vice President choices for Kamala Harris to consider.
Governors in their second terms
Gretchen Whitmer
Andy Beshear
Roy Cooper
Tim Walz
These are all State Chief Executives in their second terms in office with impressive records of accomplishment, bipartisan outreach, and center-left mindsets who have been viewed as potential Presidential contenders.
As stated above, Whitmer would be the most compelling and historic if Harris picked her.
Beshar and Walz can help in the Rust Belt states.
Cooper can help pull in North Carolina and maybe Georgia into the Democratic column.
Governor in his first term.
Josh Shapiro
The Pennsylvania Governor has just started his first term as Governor but being a heart beat away from the Presidency and the promise of being a full partner in the Harris Administration could be a persuasive lure. He is well thought of and could definitely help secure Pennsylvania and the other Midwest states.
Senators
Amy Klobuchar
John Fetterman
Mark Kelly
Klobuchar would have Midwest appeal and, like Whitmer, would be an historic choice as part of the first all Woman Ticket.
Fetterman who has distinguished himself as one of President Joe Biden’s most prolific defenders these last several weeks, has the type A personality that would play well in the battleground states. Can you imagine what he would do to Vance in a debate? Get out the popcorn.
Kelly would bring Arizona and perhaps Nevada home to the Democrats. An astronaut with good track record in the Senate with a heart warming story about dealing with the tragic shooting of his wife, Gaby Giffords, he would be a strong addition to a Harris Administration.
Sleeper Candidate
Tim Ryan
The former Ohio Congressman and 2020 Presidential Candidate, Ryan probably would have beaten Vance in the 2022 Senate Race if Governor Mike DeVine 28 point margin of victory did not provide coat tails to Mr. ‘National Abortion Ban’ who won by six. He has that Midwest appeal and would generate support from middle of the road voters.
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I keep seeing comments about Mark Kelly’s seat being vacant. They only way its vacant is if he is vice-president. He doesnt resign if he’s a candidate. This is not clear in many articles.
Also Josh Shapiro of PA or Roy Cooper of NC.
Of course, no matter what the folks in the cheap seats (aka – us) think, it’ll be someone who Harris is comfortable with.
Governor Whitmer has already said she’s not interested in the VP slot. As far a picking a governor goes it seems it would be prudent to pick one that’s about to leave office due to term limits.
Senator Mark Kelly? Absolutely not! Wouldn’t his seat be filled by a special election? That’s taking a huge risk his seat could flip, keeping the Senate majority in peril.
Tim Ryan is Repug Lite, way too conservative for today’s Democratic Party. That could suppress turnout.
But I don’t get cable or satellite TV so what do I know?
Hello. The thing on Ryan is you are right. He is middle of the road. That could appeal to the swing voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin while also potentially putting Ohio in play. If Ohio or Florida with high woman and black turnout materialize, this could be a landslide for the Dems.
If the national Democrats had supported Tim Ryan in his Senate race there would be no JD Vance. Someone didn’t like him, I think it was Chuck Schumer.
I’m not in favor of two women on the ticket.
The best way to tamp down the misogyny and racism is to attach a white male to the ticket. Preferably someone in his 40s.
I haven’t got anyone in mind.
That would make the Kentucky Governor the ideal candidate.
Yes I agree.