I believe Shapiro will be the VP pick

[videohead5]

Pennsylvania has been a problem for President Biden in the polls. Kamala has known Shapiro for 20 years. Shapiro is also a dynamic speaker.

[303squadron]

2. 19 electoral votes baby!

I'd prefer Kelly myself but the political calculation favors Shapiro.

[JI7]

5. They have a democratic lt Governor who will become Gov

[ellemb]

82. Shapiro to Davis a dem

If Shapiro were to leave office before his term was up, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis (D) would take the reins. According to Pennsylvania's line of succession, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, a Republican from Westmoreland County, would become lieutenant governor.

[Pisces]

4. He's got my vote

[PortTack]

6. Agree Shapiro is a great speaker...his approval in the state is 64%. It will no doubt secure Pa and help .with the

Other 2 vital MW states needed-MI and WI.

[femmedem]

23. I'm not so sure he'd help with Michigan.

I think that some of the young and Muslim voters who drifted away from Biden but are willing to vote for Harris might stay home or vote third party if she chooses Shapiro--not because he's Jewish (at least I hope that wouldn't be an issue) but because of his support for Israel's actions in the war and his opposition to pro-Palestinian protests.

[kansasobama]

58. Arab Muslim voters in Michigan are not thinking straight

Netanyahu is visiting Maro Lago and they don't understand the mayhem that awaits them. Palestinian issue is way too complex and not as simplistic as some of the Gaza protesters think. Palestinians are not angels. Yes, I know Netanyahu is not either. They are misguided about Biden. Biden is doing all he can for a peace deal. Arab Muslim voters better think before voting. Harris would be the best option. Rep Rashida is being somewhat naive about her yelling and protests. Hamas did attack Israel in October 2023. That is a fact. It is also a fact that Netanyahu used the counter attack to decimate civilians . It is carnage by everyone.

[OnDoutside]

85. Yes it's a very delicate situation and probably the biggest

point against Shapiro. I think I heard that they have other winning routes if they don't get Michigan ?

[LeftInTX]

93. It's mixed. You have young voters and you have Muslims.

Muslims probably won't support him. But young voters are probably more swayable. Maybe they didn't like "old Joe".

[creeksneakers2]

7. Not my first choice

As a Pennsylvanian I love him and hope to keep him here longer. He hasn't been governor for that long. He also has a prosecutor background and we already have a prosecutor on the ticket.

I'd rather see Gretchen Whitmer. First, because she cracked down on Covid and the MAGAs will go wild about that. I'd love to see the election be about how Covid should have been handled because Trump's record is a disaster. And Trump's Covid caused the inflation Biden gets blamed for. Its time that we shift the blame to Trump where it belong. Inflation is one of the two biggest Trump issues. Its time we fight back. MI was sixth in Covid cases while it tenth in population but I think we can overcome that. Whitmer would also be great because MI is also a must win state.

[SunSeeker]

11. Whitmer said she doesn't want to be Harris' VP -- she wants to stay in Michigan.

https://www.businessinsider.com/gretchen-whitmer-declines-kamala-harris-vice-president-2024-7?amp

[creeksneakers2]

14. Oh, that's too bad

Thanks for letting me know.

[Cha]

29. TY.. Good for Gov Whitmer. I think it should

be a balanced ticket. Female, VP Harris and Male, yet to be determined.

[Irish_Dem]

16. I love Whitmer.

Two women on the ticket would be a dream ticket in my book.

But not sure the American public is ready for it.

[creeksneakers2]

18. Sunseeker says she's taken herself out of consideration.

n/t

[Irish_Dem]

19. Well, yes. She did that for a reason.

She knew she was not on the short list.

[creeksneakers2]

20. Many talked about her.

[Irish_Dem]

22. Yes I know, myself included.

We knew it was a bit of a pipe dream.
But I loved the dream.

[BOSSHOG]

56. I'm an old white guy

Two women on the ticket is what our country needs. There is no viable reason to not accept that ticket, although Whitmer says she’s staying home.

[Irish_Dem]

57. Men have ruled the planet for millions of years.

Time to let women take the helm for a while.

Men can take a nice break.
Or time out depending upon your point of view.

Bosshog, most men are not as evolved as you are.

Whitmer is a realist. She knows what the US landscape looks like.

[BOSSHOG]

74. If two old white guys can make the ticket

Decade after decade without the blink of an eye, there is zero argument otherwise. Just made up crap by old guys. I’d like women in one or both of those positions for selfish reasons.

[Irish_Dem]

77. Women deserve a chance to lead.

They bring a different point of view.

[MistakenLamb]

8. He is the one I would put money on

I think Kelly and Cooper would be fine Veeps but if we can lock up Pennsylvania that could be game

[Irish_Dem]

17. Yes isn't PA a must win state?

[In It to Win It]

46. It sure is

Our path to 270 goes right through MI, WI and PA

[creeksneakers2]

9. sorry, dupe

,

[Tetrachloride]

10. Not enough experience

[SunSeeker]

13. Harris has plenty of experience, and advisors (including Biden!). She needs PA.

Shapiro is brilliant, and a great campaigner.

[Cha]

30. And no doubt a Fast learner.

[Sugarcoated]

88. What 39 year old Gov Shapiro lacks in the percieved "lack of experience" box

he could make up for with young energy similar to Obama. Young, but so obviously brilliant.

[TBF]

92. Shapiro is 51, I think Pete may be the younger one. nt

[Sugarcoated]

95. Yes I stand corrected

But he still brings young millennial energy

[Irish_Dem]

15. Who has more experience?

On the federal level.

Buttigieg?

[murielm99]

24. This might not work for the same reason that

Whitmer would not work. American voters are not mature enough to vote for an all-female ticket. They sure as hell are not mature enough to vote for a black woman and gay man ticket. I don't care that these two are the smartest people in the room. The voters are immature.

[Irish_Dem]

26. I agree.

Buttigieg and Whitmer are my first VP choices.
However American voters cannot handle such tickets as you point out.

Yes American voters are not the most evolved group of people.

Rejecting the best qualified candidates for ridiculous reasons.

[markie]

33. "not mature enough"

you are being too kind but spot on

[murielm99]

35. My intention was kindness.

I try to GOTV, not to insult shaky voters so that they won't turn out. I thought about saying "fickle," but that still might be too harsh.

[Irish_Dem]

47. I agree, insulting/demeaning people is not a way to change minds.

We should treat our team with respect.
And potential voters and helpers.

[Tetrachloride]

42. Mr B is fairly well qualified. The VP should be that good

or better

[Irish_Dem]

50. Especially in light of the lessons we are learning.

One candidate just barely survived an assassination attempt.
Another had to step down.

I love Pete B.
I hope he continues to have a role in Kamala's White House.

[SunSeeker]

12. He would be great! Getting PA is crucial.

[Sugarcoated]

21. Shapiro is my governor

I love him, so many plusses and reasons to pick him. He's my first choice, however, after seeing Gov of MN tonight on Alex Wagnor's show, I am very impressed. He's got the older guy experienced vibe, Shapiro brings the young energy. Both must are win states led by men with blue collar cred. Either one is a winner.

[ananda]

39. Mysister was also impressed with Walx.

...

[OnDoutside]

25. I'm flipflopping...either Shapiro or Kelly would be great picks.

[Irish_Dem]

27. We cannot lose a senate seat?

[kansasobama]

60. AZ Governor is Dem

She will appoint a Dem replacement

[Irish_Dem]

61. Some people seem to be nervous about that kind of situation.

I don't know if it is needless worry or there is something to it.
The GOP is ruthless and relentless and would F it up if they could?

[kansasobama]

68. Yes they will try hard

But we are in a democracy do or die situation. One reason, I don't understand why Obama is waiting to endorse. What the hell is going on?

[Irish_Dem]

69. I read he doesn't want to be seen tipping the scales.

He wants to wait until the convention delegates decide?

[OnDoutside]

75. Katie Hobbs would pick his replacement

for two years (not four as i thought yesterday), but still who would have thought the Georgia Senators would have held on ? Bear in mind that this is the worst cycle for Senate Democrats. I guess the question is about the calibre of replacement for Kelly ? Someone mentioned the Arizona Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes who beat election denier Mark Finchem in 2022. Maybe there are others.

Adrian Fontes
Secretary Adrian Fontes
Range of Years Served
2023 - Current
Party
Democrat
In 2022, Adrian Fontes was elected as Arizona's 21st Secretary of State. Secretary Fontes is a proud Arizona native, an honorable veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and the father of three daughters, who has spent a lifetime fighting for justice and defending our Democracy.

Secretary Fontes served on active duty from 1992 to 1996 and was nominated for a meritorious commission. His service to our country taught him the importance of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice to forcefully fight for the American dream.

After graduating from law school, Secretary Fontes spent his career advocating for justice and fighting for those who are disadvantaged — first as a prosecutor with the Denver District Attorney and then at the Maricopa County Attorney’s office. He later led the International Prosecution Unit at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. He practiced law for 15 years before running for office in 2016 when he was elected Maricopa County Recorder.

As Recorder, Secretary Fontes revolutionized the election system by ensuring that every eligible Arizonan had the access they needed to vote. Adrian enhanced ballot tracking technology and increased process transparency, winning recognition and awards from election organizations across the country.

In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 crisis and amidst violent protests, Maricopa County saw record voter turnout, as well as record numbers of new voters registered for both parties. Secretary Fontes later testified before Congress to inform them of threats facing election officials.

Secretary Fontes is committed to preserving integrity in our elections, making voting easier for registered voters, and ensuring that Arizona’s business community has a non-partisan partner in the Secretary’s office.

[Irish_Dem]

78. I don't think the dem leadership wants to take a chance?

They seem extremely focused and smart right now.

We shall see how this plays out.

[radius777]

28. His being Jewish may be an issue, especially

with the issue of Gaza, and especially that Harris is a black woman who is married to a Jew.

IMO they need to choose a straight, white Christian man like Kelly or Cooper.

Unfortunately, as long as the Electoral College (and not the popular vote) determines this thing then we have to contend with the (often bigoted and backwards) opinions of people in these swing states.

[elleng]

31. Personally, woman potus with Jewish VPotus

(AND Jewish husband!) would be wonderful, but not likely so much for others, I suspect. (Don't want to offend, but practical.)

[videohead5]

32. It depends on what their internal polls will show

They can't afford to lose Pennsylvania. If she picks Kelly our Cooper and she ends up losing Pennsylvania Trump wins.

[elleng]

36. I don't see tmp winning under any circumstances:

Prosecutor vs indictee/criminal, but I may be 'optimistic' here.

[kansasobama]

64. You are putting too much faith on idiotic voters

Anyone who is undecided is an idiot. Of course, we can't say that when encouraging. I mean, what are they thinking? Weighing benefits of dictatorship vs democracy? I know they don't know what dictatorship is.

[Tetrachloride]

43. Michigan is at risk. and several people i know are in the same camp

regarding the issues that some in Michigan are concerned with .

Gavin Newsom is my recommendation

[videohead5]

45. Not Newsom

Both would be from California. I like Newsom and he's a smart guy, but too many people rightly or wrongly believe California is a mess.

[kansasobama]

63. Our Constitution is so outdated

It needs a big overhaul. But, not happening. It does help bigotry and backwardness. Electoral College is outdated and assured conservative Southern domination.

[arlyellowdog]

76. I agree

I keep saying that Vance cannot be the Catholic candidate. Kelly is a Biden Catholic. It’s a big vote.

[markie]

34. I am enjoying this thread

however... wouldn't it be awesome if we were all together enough to vote for policy not personality, religion, gender, race, etc

[elleng]

37. Yes, WOULDN't it?!!!

[True Dough]

38. Kinda sad

how we must contort ourselves over ever nuance of a person's being to try to check the most boxes. Alas, that's where things stand politically in this day and age.

I understand it. It's just frustrating to think that some absolutely amazing candidates could be cast aside due to perceived disadvantages.

[Emile]

40. I like Al Franken. Al Franken debating JD Vance would be historical.

The ratings would be through the roof.

[SocialDemocrat61]

51. Doubtful

[Emile]

53. What a shame, he would have been a great VP.

[redstatebluegirl]

59. And hysterical!

[Bayard]

81. Historical, and hysterical!

But, will never happen.

I am favoring a governor. I just don't know which one yet. It's good to have so many good choices.

[spanone]

41. K&R

[pinkstarburst]

44. Buttigieg is my favorite

but Shapiro is a strong choice too.

[honest.abe]

48. I think so too. PA is key to any Dem victory in Nov.

I suspect he will also help with the other rust belt states.

[SocialDemocrat61]

55. Good thing she'll have

Joe Biden campaigning for her in that state.

[honest.abe]

62. Yep. But as you must be aware Joe's numbers have not looked good in PA polling for whatever reason.

But yes Im sure Joe campaigning there will help regardless.

[SocialDemocrat61]

65. As a candidate

Different consideration than a campaigner.

[honest.abe]

66. Yes, agreed. But having Shapiro as VP locks it up.

imo.

[SocialDemocrat61]

70. Do you have data to support that?

Paul Ryan didn’t lock up Wisconsin for Paul Ryan. Having a VP from a particular state doesn’t lock up that state. I’m the case of Harris, she wasn’t needed to lock up California. Nor was Biden needed to lock up Delaware. The calculation for a running mate is based on many factors, not just geography. We need to trust the campaign to objectively weigh the positives and negatives of each contender and choose the one that puts the ticket in the best position to win the election.

[honest.abe]

72. If you noticed.. I included "imo".. which means "in my opinion".

I suspect most would agree with me but I also dont have data to support that.

[SocialDemocrat61]

73. Sorry, didn't see that

[Thrill]

49. He would be great

I mean no one articulates Biden’s economic success better than him. Outside of Newsome

[lindysalsagal]

52. Shapiro is so charismatic. He can bring in votes quickly

We're in emergency mode, now!

[Sugarcoated]

86. Yes

I like Kelly but charasmatic he is not

[lark]

54. Shapiro would be a good pick, I agree.

I didn't know they had a personal connection, that makes it even better!! However, Walz, Beshear and Wilson are also strong and
Walz is really upping his media prescence these days.

[Sugarcoated]

87. Walz

Walz and Shapiro, solid choices

[SocialDemocrat61]

67. I believe the campaign

will objectively analyze the positives and negatives of all the contenders and will make the choice of who gives the ticket the best chance of winning in November.

[LakeArenal]

71. Not crazy about coast candidates. There's plenty of great choices including Walz.

[oldsoftie]

79. Shapiro or kelly. That is all. Two swing states but PA has more EC votes

And as everyone should know by now the popular vote doesnt matter

[berksdem]

80. I love our Governor here in PA

and he would be a great pick as VP.

[Happy Hoosier]

83. I'd prefer Kelly, but would be happy with Shapiro. NT

[patphil]

84. He guarantees a win in Pennsylvania; a state we need.

I think he'll pole very well nationally, and could trigger an upset win in Ohio now that Vance is on the Republican ticket.
I expect he'd also be a big plus in all the other battle ground states.

[Sugarcoated]

96. I don't know if he would win it

But he may make it competitive

[angrychair]

89. His support of charter schools

Is a huge negative for me.

[femmedem]

90. He proposed increasing educational funding to tackle inequieties, but he also supports school vouchers.

"Under the commission’s proposal, funding would go to districts based on a three year average of its enrollment, weighted by factors like the number of students in poverty, English language learners and the number of students in charter schools. And it also takes into account how wealthy the district’s residents are and their ability to pay for the schools on their own.

The report said this additional funding would likely go disproportionately to districts with the greatest financial need, which in Allegheny County would mean an additional $3 million to $5 million next year to districts like Mckeesport, Sto-Rox, Penn Hills, Baldwin-Whitehall and Woodland Hills. Most other school districts would see six figure or low seven figure increases."

SNIP

"The budget materials Shapiro provided prior to his speech didn’t mention anything about private school vouchers. Shapiro has supported them in the past and they’re broadly popular among Republican legislators but are opposed by House Democrats. But Shapiro did briefly mention that he continues to support vouchers in his speech."

More: https://whyy.org/articles/shapiro-historic-1-billion-increase-education-funding-pennsylvania-budget/

[TBF]

91. I don't like the voucher thing either - but it may be an advantage w/moderates. nt

[Blue Full Moon]

94. He supports a Project 2025 goal

I don't believe a Democratic VP should be carrying water for them.
Universal school choice is the newest bills the Heritage Foundation are sending out to the states. Did PA pass one? Ohio did recently.

[Sugarcoated]

97. Just as Kelly changed his views on unions

Shapiro will likely do the same with school vouchers.