VEEP Pick - who do you prefer?

[onetexan]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/23/kamala-harris-vp-pick
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/21/harris-potential-vp-picks-biden-dropout-00170204

I'm fine with anyone Kamala picks for her ticket, but i like Mark Kelly & Josh Shapiro.

[Emile]

1. I like Al Franken.

[sunnybrook]

5. That would be AMAZING

Hadn't thought of that. Probably won't happen. But now that you mention it, he would be my first choice

[Emile]

41. Al debating Vance the ratings would be awesome.

[MustLoveBeagles]

17. Good choice

[Prairie_Seagull]

38. Never considered this, until now.

Many reasons why this would/could work. Any word on if he is even interested?

IMO

[LizBeth]

55. A man tied to sexual harassment into a race against a rapist and prosecutor

who goes after them. There was a reason he stepped down whether you felt warranted or not and time does not make that go away. Why would you bring that into race especially as there are so many qualified?

[Emile]

70. We view it differently.

[LizBeth]

72. As I stated but what I do say is factually correct and as much as you choose to not see,

it is a reality.

[Emile]

73. As I said, we view it differently.

[spooky3]

101. He was forced to step down by Schumer and colleagues,

for political reasons, without any hearing or investigation. I don’t think that’s something DU should accept.

However, VP Harris has lots of good candidates from whom to choose, so I don’t think Franken will be considered.

[LizBeth]

114. He chose to walk away and for good sound political reason. But... He has

also allowed the hate and blame to be one particular woman and not speaking up taking responsibility.

[spooky3]

117. He didn't choose freely, and you know it. Bye now. Nt

[LizBeth]

119. We always have a choice.

[spooky3]

121. No, not if our colleagues can remove us if we refuse. It's not a choice.

And without an investigation neither you nor I will ever know whether any of those incidents occurred as the complainants described or if they rose to the level of sexual harassment. That’s not justice.

Bye.

[BlueSky3]

134. And there's a photo

to prove it.

[LizBeth]

142. Yes there is and yes a grown man acting like a little boy;... giggle giggle.

End of world? No. But would I be pissed if I was sleeping and some man did that? Yes. I would.

[pat_k]

159. Jane Mayer (New Yorker) on AF

When Franken was asked if he regretted his decision to resign from the Senate, he said, “Oh, yeah. Absolutely.”

The more I learned about the accusation and rush to judgment, the more upset I got about the whole episode. Resigning was absolutely a mistake.

The Case of Al Franken
By Jane Mayer
July 22, 2019

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken

[LongtimeAZDem]

112. Actually, it would acknowledge that he was railroaded

[LizBeth]

118. No he wasn't. Wasn't strong enough for him to be fired but

his behavior was enough for an apology and recognize the issue now. I hate the whitewashing and him owning his part while blaming ONE woman senator when there was 38.

[pat_k]

156. Jane Mayer (New Yorker) deep dive article on AF

I think it is a must read.

The Case of Al Franken
By Jane Mayer
July 22, 2019

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken

[LongtimeAZDem]

109. He's who I want, but it won't happen, so I'll take Kelly

[Walleye]

2. I'm pulling for Josh Shapiro. I think he'd be a really good campaigner. And he has done excellent work as governor

Also, he is younger.

[Trueblue1968]

99. Shapiro !!! !! Penn state !!!!

[Funtatlaguy]

3. Kelly. I don't want to put Shapiro through all

Last edited Wed Jul 24, 2024, 11:19 AM - Edit history (1)

Of the anti semitic crap he would get.

[Skittles]

110. so you're saying "it's not time"

no, IT IS TIME

[Nanjeanne]

4. Walz, Cooper or Beshear. All fighters for working class - voters we need in rural swing states.

[Lonestarblue]

12. I'm now leaning toward Beshear--young, personable, Midwestern that could affect swing state voters.

Kentucky would still go for Trump. Either Kelly or Shapiro would also be fine.

[Nanjeanne]

13. We aren't going to win KY but I think Beshear can speak to rural white working class voters in

many swing states. I think that’s a good thing. Shapiro’s stance and vigorous push for school vouchers will hurt I think with many and Kelly is not supported by unions which did support Harris quickly. Kelly’s opposition to the PRO Act was a mistake on labor issues. Also 2022, Kelly joined Sinema and Manchin to hand the Biden administration a surprise defeat in the Senate on a nominee to lead the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division. Not good looks when we need working class voters to come out.

[pat_k]

161. He didn't co-sign PRO but states support...

.. better late than never.

[Nanjeanne]

162. Yes better late than never.

[Jilly_in_VA]

14. I don't think so

I don't want to take Beshear out of where he is right now. Kentucky needs him, even if they don't always think so.

[Tadpole Raisin]

80. I understand why national dems like to pull dems from red states but his influence

In Kentucky could moderate the voters over time and like I said in another post in 5-10 years we could have a purple state. Who else could do that?

I also didn’t realize how popular he was there. You are right - Kentucky needs him there and so do we!

[Bettie]

46. KY is definitely the South

not the Midwest.

Kelly likely loses us a Senate seat.

[Upthevibe]

60. Bettie...

The Senate seat would be appointed by the Dem. Governor in Arizona. Mark Kelly's term doesn't end until 1/3/29.....

[Bettie]

69. The rules are so different state to state

so, thanks!

[jimfields33]

178. I believe a special election would be held 2026 not at the

end of Kelly’s term. But that’s a good amount of time for the senator to be reelected.

[LongtimeAZDem]

128. Not for at least two years; the Governor would appoint a Democrat to the seat

[Bettie]

129. I've heard two and four years

but, if we can get an incumbent running, that's cool

[LongtimeAZDem]

135. A.R.S. 16-222. Vacancy in the office of United States senator or representative

A. When a vacancy occurs in the office of United States senator or representative in Congress by reason of death or resignation, or from any other cause and except as provided in subsection D of this section, the vacancy shall be filled at the next general election. At such an election the person elected shall fill the unexpired term of the vacated office.

C. For a vacancy in the office of United States senator, the governor shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy. That appointee shall be of the same political party as the person vacating the office and, except as provided in subsection D of this section, shall serve until the person elected at the next general election is qualified and assumes office.

[XanaDUer2]

6. Cooper nt

[onetexan]

83. Saw him on msnbc. Gov Cooper is very well spoken & presents well. I like him alot.

[calguy]

7. Since my favorite Gretchen Whitmer isn't interested in the job

The clear choice for me is Shapiro, and the 19 electoral votes he brings with him.
Trump is heavily counting on Pennsylvania going his way, and without it, his path to the White House narrows considerably.

Plus, he'll mop the floor with JD Vance's head.

[claudette]

30. Two

women on the ticket might be too much for undecideds. Not for ME, of course, but some men might not be ready.

[CTyankee]

53. My husband is a strong Dem and a feminist and he believes a male choice for VP would be best for political reasons only.

I heard Wes Moore being interviewed and I really like him. Shapiro would be my pick now, tho, as he could bring us a win in PA. Nothing is certain, tho.

[claudette]

56. That's true

I also like Shapiro. He would be my second choice after Newsom.

[CTyankee]

57. Can we have Newsom? Is it ok to have both POTUS and VP from the same state?

[Upthevibe]

62. CTyankee.....

No....They can't be from the same state......So Newsom's not in contention. I'd love to see him in a Cabinet position, though.

[claudette]

63. Not unless one of them moves

[MoonchildCA]

67. I've recently read...

…that they would have to forgo CA’s 54 electoral votes. If that’s correct, it’s a nonstarter.

Edit: Ah, it actually says that in one of the articles posted in the OP.

[spooky3]

133. Wes Moore is very likable but MD will go in the Dem

Column regardless. He hasn’t been governor long.

[pat_k]

168. I want to see Wes Moore at the top of the ticket one of these days.

Not just likeable. He's effective at inspiring people to recognize their own power to make a difference.

I love his service year option after high school and hope the program is expanded in MD. And I think we'll see other states following suit (e.g., apparently Spencer Cox is working on implementing a similar program in Utah). There is no better way to bridge divides than to bring people together in service. I would love to see this go national

And he is actively working to bridge the partisan divide in other ways. For example, check out Wes Moore and Spencer Cox at the "With Malice Toward None, With Charity for All" forum.

The entire program is worthwhile, but the section with Spencer Cox and Wes Moore (14:01 to 51:29) is a must see for anyone looking for signs of hope in a bleak political landscape.

37 minutes
14:01 to 51:29
Keynote: Spencer Cox and Wes Moore

The rest of the program:

44 minutes
52:15 to 1:28:44
Panel
Dr. Timothy Shriver
Ruth Okejiji
Rachel Brand
Donna Brazile

1:28:30 to 1:55:00
Panel
Rev. Dr. David McAllister-Wilson
Joshua Dubois
Peter Wehner

[Frasier Balzov]

43. Has she declined to submit the requested vetting materials?

I'm hoping she has said No for public consumption as a matter of etiquette only.

[calguy]

47. I believe she said she wants to stay in Michigan before the vetting began

[Frasier Balzov]

59. Kids grown and husband ready to retire?

Term limited?

Just released her autobiography?

Feels like we might be on the verge of a Harris-Whitmer girls team notwithstanding protestations to the contrary.

[calguy]

87. I'd love to see that

But I've seen no indications of that happening. But then again, anything is possible. Who could have foreseen where we are today compared to two weeks ago.

[spooky3]

132. He may turn out to be another Tim Kaine. Nice guy,

On paper looks good, moderate, etc., but not very helpful to the campaign. I hope she chooses whoever she trusts and I would like it to be a great speaker like Buttigieg or Shapiro, because I think they will call out Trump effectively and excite voters.

[NCDem47]

8. Kelly and Shapiro are my top two.

Questions:

1. Would either one be required to resign current post?
2. In AZ, Dem Gov can appoint replacement?
3. How would it work in PA so we don't loose ground with governorship?

The VP pick needs to be a win-win-win for Ds overall (duh, of course).

[Upthevibe]

36. NCDem47..CORRECTION

Last edited Wed Jul 24, 2024, 04:35 PM - Edit history (2)

I've been trying to figure out how to do a poll on this but even though a DU'er posted where I could figure out how, I still couldn't figure it out.....

Mark Kelly..........

I've done my research. In AZ, the Governor can appoint until the current term is ended. I was just informed that Mark Kelly's term would end in 2026 and not 2029 so that makes a little bit of a difference....Mark Kelly's a former Astronaut! IMHO, that carries a lot of weight.

I love Shapiro but I worry about the antisemitism......

I think Beshear may be too iffy.....Would Kentucky elect another Dem. for Governor?

Cooper looks pretty good since he's going to be termed out and it's North Carolina where the Republican is cra-cra....


If someone who knows how to post polls, that would be VERY cool so we could get a better visual

I'M SOOOOOOOOOO CONFUSED NOW! But in a good way...

[LongtimeAZDem]

116. Kelly's term is until 2029, but his replacement would be up for re-election in 2026

[Upthevibe]

139. LongtimeAZDem..

Wow.....Thanks for the correction. I've read conflicting information (but I don't remember the sources). Having said that, you're an Arizona DU'er so I'd bet you are right!

Thanks!

[onetexan]

141. I tried a poll but couldn't figure it out either 😁

[yellowdogintexas]

163. the current Lt Gov in Ky is a Democrat. However, Kentucky has elected more Democrats than Republicans

as governor. I am 76 years old and I can only remember 3 Republican governors in Kentucky (I did grow up there and still follow politics there) I fondly remember when all our House members were Democrats. Now if I still lived in my home town Jim Gomer would be my House Member. Things have really gone downhill

[question everything]

37. The answer to 2 is yes.

[red dog 1]

154. I think there would have to be a special election called to replace Mark Kelly in the US Senate,

if he became Harris' running mate.
And even though it's possible that a Repuke could win that Senate seat in a special election, I still think he's the best choice.

[Elessar Zappa]

9. I'm thinking Shapiro.

I think choosing him would make Pennsylvania one less state to worry about.

[crazylikafox]

10. Shapiro

[still-prayin4rain]

11. Kelly top pick for me (his seat would be safe until at least 2026). I like Shapiro, too though. nt

[Upthevibe]

66. still-prayin4rain.....

Kelly's my top pick...And....The Democratic Governor can make the appointment and he's there until 1/3/29!

[still-prayin4rain]

79. Well, shoot, even better! :) nt

[Upthevibe]

90. Okay....I'm now considering

Andy Beshear.....He's termed out in Kentucky.

The two who are running for the Governor of Kentucky now are the Republican who's cra-cra and I can't find who the Dem. is. Also, the current Lt. Governor is a Dem....

[still-prayin4rain]

147. I finally saw him speak, he is very likeable. And was "not like us-ing" Vance, so I like that. nt

[Fiendish Thingy]

15. We have such a deep bench of great potential VP's

But at the moment, I lean towards Roy Cooper, largely for strategic reasons.

Cooper seems to have all the pluses, and none of the potential minuses other potential VP’s could bring.

[miss-nasty]

22. I'm with you and Roy

[subterranean]

39. I guess one minus might be his age.

He's 67, which is not ideal for grooming a potential future president. But that's not a deal breaker.

[Upthevibe]

140. Fiendish Thingy........

I just checked him (Cooper) out and he looks really good too.

NC would be nice to pick up for sure, for sure!

[Tommy Carcetti]

16. Kelly

Veteran, astronaut, has an inspirational wife.

[planetc]

177. Yes, has the right stuff, ...

could deliver a swing state, brings Giffords to DC as Second Lady, where she carries on about gun legislation. I think he's a non-panicker.

[Jilly_in_VA]

18. I pretty much like Kelly

He has the military (Navy) and astronaut chops, and his wife, as I've said before, is a hero to the disabled community as well as to the rest of us. I like Shapiro also, but worry about the anti-semitism. Harris is going to get enough of that because of her husband, let's not pile on.

Tim Walz would be an interesting pick, being a midwesterner and all that. Cooper? I dunno. Since he can't succeed himself, I suppose he'd be okay, but NC isn't going to go blue, I don't think. Someone suggested J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, but I think the "big state" association might be a bit much, although I like what he's doing there.

Al Franken, much as I love him, is simply out of the question. Can you imagine what the Repugs would do to him? Never mind that their candidate is a convicted sexual assaulter!

[onetexan]

19. Tim Walz lacks the national exposure. Given we have such a short time frame till November i think best to stay safe

given what's at stake. Likewise with Beshear. We're not going to flip that state so no benefit there, but glad he supports Kamala.

[raging moderate]

32. Tim Walz just gave a wonderful endorsement of Kamala Harris.

He very accurately described who Trump and Vance really are. And he is really steady and down to earth. I think he really could appeal to rural voters.

[Upthevibe]

65. Jilly_in_VA.......

I agree with your assessment.....

[bif]

20. Pete Buttigeig

(Or however you spell his name).

[Jilly_in_VA]

25. He's great, but

Kamala is getting enough flak as it is for being a woman and Black. It would not be a good idea at this time to add a gay running mate, no matter how good he is. It would just give them more to attack.

[EndlessWire]

108. Let them bring it.

Anyway, if Pete brought in the gay vote, and those sensitive to this aspic of American life, then we have nothing to be afraid of with this choice. I do not think that he will ever bring up his private life, but if he did, it would be in response to an attack.

I've watched Secretary Pete travel tirelessly across the nation, overseeing repairs and protections to the infrastructure. He approaches his appointment with enthusiasm, energy, and a rock solid foundation of knowledge, which I think he gained from immersing himself in the job. He would be a great helpmate to Kamala, a very solid guardian of our Democracy, and capable of taking on assignments from the President without any problem.

Pete is very respectful, knows rules and customs, and follows the chain of command. He has a military background, is young at 42, and a married man. He has political experience. In short, I don't know why he would not be in the running for VP, because the only baggage he has is that he is gay. It's not a problem, and it's time to let it go. Pete will have all our backs, straight or gay, and we shouldn't throw away a national treasure that can help Kamala beat the stuffings out of Trump et al.

I think it would be an exciting pick, two very solid winners that Trump would be afraid of and couldn't cope with. I mourn the loss of Joe Biden; if there is anything we should fight against, it's ageism. We tend to throw away the very best of us for the silliest of reasons. Biden isn't senile.

We were denied Hillary, a most competent, experienced politician that would have been far better for our country. Not going to happen again! Trump better be planning an escape route, because we are going to fight, and we are going to win! As an aside, Pete probably knows all the possible escape routes Trump could take. Flee, Donald, while you still can!

[Skittles]

113. thank you

I get tired of the sentiment someone should not run for office because it may offend racists, misogynists, homophobes, etc....it's always "now is not the time". Yeah IT IS TIME, BRING IT ON.

[phoenix_rising]

172. I agree Pete is a national treasure!

[onetexan]

28. My gay mid20s daughter celebrated Kamala with a white bottle of wine

Saying she now has to pick a straight white man for veep. Given Kamala is the first presidential nominee in her adult lifetime she's excited about and how analytical she is i trust her. So much as i love love love Pete B he would not be my choice. I hope in Kamala's administration she will give him another plum assignment. He is SO SO GOOD!!🇺🇸👏🇺🇸

[bif]

31. In for a penny, in for a pound.

If you're going to ruffle feathers, LET'S RUFFLE THEM BIG TIME!!!

[SKKY]

44. Same here. I'm a huge Pete fan, and would vote for him in a second...

...if he ran for, well, basically anything. He's a generational talent that I hope our country has the opportunity to use to its fullest potential.

[phoenix_rising]

100. Yes! Pete Buttigieg all the way!

We’re ready for a gay VP if we say we are! We have to move and make it happen or it never will! As Rev Al Sharpton said in response to the statement: “I don’t know if America is ready for a Black Woman to be President.”

Rev Sharpton: “America wasn’t ready for us to be off the plantation. It’s not about what the country is ready for, it’s about what WE are ready for!”

I couldn’t agree with him more! We are ready, and in my opinion Pete is the best, most capable candidate. We can’t afford to risk losing a Senate seat in a battleground state, and Pete and Chasten (and their beautiful children) live in MI, a swing state. He proudly served as an officer in the navy and was deployed to Afghanistan. His unparalleled talent more than compensates for any perceived lack of experience in winning elections. He is by far the strongest, most capable, most gifted communicator I have ever seen. No one can deliver a message like he can. He shines under immense pressure and consistently excels on Fox News, earning the well-deserved moniker “Slayer Pete.” It was legendary the way he eviscerated JD Vance on Bill Maher, and I think we would all love to see him have the opportunity to shred him in person in a debate. It would be epic!

He is by far the most exciting, most capable candidate, and we are ready!!

[phoenix_rising]

123. Important to note

Last edited Thu Jul 25, 2024, 12:13 AM - Edit history (1)

…that we have had gay Presidents and at least one gay Vice President before. Most presidential historians would agree with this. So it’s nothing new. The difference is that Pete is out and proud. He should be rewarded for his authenticity, and his identity and beautiful family should be celebrated.

Edited to emphasize that people don’t think twice about voting for closeted cases (like Lindsey Graham). For most rational people, honesty and authenticity in a candidate is an asset, not a deal breaker.

[onetexan]

145. Oh? Who were those gay presidents & VPs?

[phoenix_rising]

146. LGBTQ+ pres/vp

Last edited Thu Jul 25, 2024, 01:05 AM - Edit history (1)

Presidents: James Buchanan, and possibly Abraham Lincoln

VP: William Rufus King, 13th vice president of the United States (relationship with Buchanan)

https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/2017/1/18/15-gay-founding-fathers-and-mothers#rebelltitem1

Edited to add source about Lincoln:
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/j/jala/2629860.0027.205/--did-abraham-lincoln-sleep-with-his-bodyguard-another-look-at?rgn=main;view=fulltext

[sinkingfeeling]

153. Occupy Democrats and I agree. Hope everyone watches this video.

https://democraticunderground.com/132231473#post3

[Rebl2]

21. Shapiro

[debm55]

23. I really like Shapiro. He is the governor of my state. But Kelly would bring in the border states.

[krawhitham]

106. Kelly would alienate many on the left, he's Democrate-lite

He's one of our least reliable votes in the Senate

Of the 51 people that caucus with Democrats, he ranks 46th

[ratchiweenie]

138. I like Shapiro but I don't see how he brings any votes with him that we didn't already have.

[SocialDemocrat61]

24. I prefer to leave it to the campaign

to pick the best running mate to win the election.

[flakey_foont]

26. Kelly

[claudette]

27. My favorite is

Gavin Newsom - I love him! I do realize he's from the same state so that might create a problem, but a Harris/Newsom ticket is the best in my view!

[Dave Bowman]

29. I like Kelly.

[Botany]

33. Cooper is very impressive, well spoken, and might help bring in North Carolina too

But my #1 choice is whomever the Vice President wants.

[Deep State Witch]

34. All Are Good

All of them are fine choices. Walz was especially good on Alex last night. But, that being said, Cooper has one advantage that the others do not. He is finishing his term in January. The others are still in the middle of their terms.

[onetexan]

84. Ooohhh great pt about Gov Cooper's term ending.

That & we can certainly benefit with NC a swing state.

[Clouds Passing]

35. Mark Kelly

Astronaut
Fighter pilot
US Senator
Would love to have Gabby Giffords be our Second Lady!!!!!

[SKKY]

40. Shapiro, for a couple of reasons...

...We must keep Kelly, as much as I admire him, in AZ to protect our narrow majority in the Senate. Shapiro would bring his 19 EC votes, plus he's a damn impressive communicator that would be a fantastic VP.

[LongtimeAZDem]

131. We would keep it; the Governor would appoint a Democrat to the seat until 2026

[SKKY]

165. I was trying to find out what would happen, and couldn't find...

...the information you just posted. Ok, that might change things for me. Kelly is really, really good. But, the good news is we have a very, very deep bench. I'd honestly be happy with either.

[Srkdqltr]

42. Kelly.

[Nevilledog]

45. Not Shapiro. He supports school vouchers which weakens public education.

[Emile]

77. Yikes, not good for public schools.

[yorkster]

82. I thought he vetoed a voucher bill in August

last year. He did support vouchers, don't know if he still does.
He's really strong on other fronts. Have to find out more.

[Nevilledog]

95. Seems like the veto was about implementation, not his support of the idea.

https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2023-07-07/shapiro-school-voucher-budget-gambit

Inquirer article without paywall
https://archive.li/TEVaZ

[yorkster]

98. Hmmmm. Thx for links.

Food for thought.

[epreic01]

48. Beshear

1.)Beshear- Good Family Man, and great personal touch. Not an afraid to be progressive. Strong fighter as AG in KY he was great. Shows a lot of confidence to choose someone that isn’t from a swing state. Probably wouldn’t put KY in play, but could force Trump to put money into KY. Great campaigner. Respected by Unions. His Dad was a great governor of KY and would be good at getting Blue Collar endorsements. This ticket gives me Clinton/Gore 92 energy.
2.) Walz- saw him on last night. He was really good. Strong, but funny and likable.
3.)Pete- master of explaining things to dumb people.
4.)Kelly- solid conventional choice, but doesn’t have much charisma
5.) Pritzker- Tons of money
6.) Shapiro- I don’t think he has the amount of experience I’d like to see. I think he is an upcoming star.
Any of these choices are better than Vance and would only strengthen the ticket. We are is a good position. I like being us right now

[onetexan]

58. Thank you for breaking these candidates down so thoughtfully! Agree w you re: Shapiro - he's only been Gov 18 months.

Both PA & AZ are tough states so either way wld be fine w me. Kelly would have the edge given that senate seat would be safe in Dems hands till 2026 as someone mentioned, but AZ also has added plus in that it is a border state. Dunno. I like both of them equally.

[peggysue2]

49. Josh Shapiro is my pick

He can shore up Pennsylvania which we absolutely need and is a remarkable speaker. He's also very popular in PA.

I love Mark Kelly but if you had to choose the more important state to win, Pennsylvania is critical.

[cpamomfromtexas]

50. Kelly for sure

[flamingdem]

51. Bashear or Kelly

Though a few days ago someone here said Gabby wouldn't want him to take the job.

[Fla Dem]

68. I think Bashear, then Mark Kelly.

[onecaliberal]

52. Shapiro

[orange jar]

54. Shapiro or Beshear.

All of her choices are great, though.

[Ruby Zee]

61. Roy Cooper

He would bring a lot to the campaign and the office, but all the choices are great!

[awesomerwb1]

64. Mark Kelly for me

Our Dem Governor in AZ would appoint another Dem to this seat until January 1st 2029.

I like Shapiro as well but he appears to have a BIG problem with the younger vote because of some remarks about pro-Palestine supporters he made, and the Penn issue as well. We can't afford to lose any young voters so Mark Kelly for me.

[onetexan]

78. Great point re: Shapiro's pro-Palestinian remarks. Kelly seems ideal to me given his background.

[LongtimeAZDem]

125. The appointee would only hold the office until the next general election in 2026

Whoever won the seat at that time would hold it until 2029.

[Shrek]

71. Stacey Abrams n/t

[jcgoldie]

74. pete.

Not to be ageist but youth is our strength now lean into it. He's the best advocate for the campaign.

[pinkstarburst]

89. Agree. We have momentum there right now

with young people. Let's keep it going.

[Persondem]

75. Cooper or Shapiro nt

[WarGamer]

76. Purely personal preference? Pete Buttigieg.

Political choice purely tactical... Kelly.

Pete will feed the haters, Shapiro will fuel the anti-semites and yes some are on the left.

Kelly is an American hero and has very high approval ratings. Might even bring AZ into play.

[underpants]

81. Harris/Shapiro seems like drawing 3 for an inside straight to me

Anyone else from a battleground state is fine. Kelly or Cooper I’d say are the best. I know a lot of people here wouldn’t like it but Mark Warner would be a great pick. He’s probably not interested though.

[Greybnk48]

85. I like Shapiro and Buttigieg almost equally,

Pete a slight bit more. I worry about bigotry hurting Pete (though I may be wrong--I hope I am).

[angrychair]

86. Cooper is my first choice

He brings a lot to the table in my opinion.
1) as a two term governor from NC he could help deliver it for the first time since 2008.

2) As a successful 2 term progressive Democrat in a very purple state, he knows how to handle those conversations in southern states like Virginia and Georgia and could help backstop our efforts there.

3) I honestly think he could help play the margins in places like Texas and other southern states and make a difference.

2nd choice would be Kelly.

3rd would be Shapiro (but soured on him because of his support for charter schools)
Or
Beshear (tied) -biggest negative on him would be he could not deliver Kentucky but he still might be able to make progress in places like Georgia or other mid-west states

[pinkstarburst]

88. Pete Buttigieg

[Deep State Witch]

91. Pete's Not On the Short List

My guess is that he's 1) going to be Secretary of State; 2) Wants to stay on at DoT; or 3) Going to head home to Indiana and run for statewide office.

[nbsmom]

93. Agree. Once Mayor Pete wins a statewide office, he'll be unstoppable NT

[onetexan]

96. SoS would be perfect for PeteB.

[spooky3]

143. 1) I've seen reports today that he was asked to submit materials and

2) he lives in Michigan.

https://www.nbcchicago.com/dnc-chicago-2024/transportation-sec-pete-buttigieg-linked-to-running-mate-search/3499773/?amp=1

[Deep State Witch]

175. I saw that

About 6 hours after I posted my response.

Things are moving at Warp 9.9.

[nbsmom]

92. Based on my social media feed, I'd say the strongest contenders right now are Beshear, Shapiro or Kelly

And I wouldn't count out Walz.

[BigDemVoter]

94. Same here.

I'm fine with anyone also, but I do like Mark Kelly & Josh Shapiro. . . .

[ArnoldLayne]

97. Josh Shapiro

[Big Blue Marble]

102. Kelly

Brings Arizona and strong appeals to center right voters who like strong white men.

[Wanderlust988]

103. Beshear is a master politician and a knife fighter

He has the choir boy image but is about as ruthless and cunning of a politician as you'll ever find. He'd be great with Harris!

[moonscape]

164. I don't think 'knife-fighter' and

‘ruthless’ is what I want to see, though I know you didn’t mean the way I read it.

I’m exhausted by mean violent imagery, and loved loving our president who was the antithesis of that.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

104. I really like Shapiro but I'm pulling for Kelly.

I think Kelly fills a lot of needed gaps. Plus I really want to see J.D. try his "I was a Marine" bullshit on Kelly.

[krawhitham]

105. I prefer Pete Buttigieg but I'll take anyone but Mark Kelly

[Iggo]

107. I prefer whoever Harris prefers. I'm done with circular firing squads.

[Bucky]

115. Beshear, Kelly, Shapiro... no particular order

Wait, no. I subconsciously wrote them in alphanumeric order. I'm a nerd.

[lizardkingjr]

122. *whom

Pete Buttigieg.

[Skya Rhen]

124. Georgia Senator, Jon Ossoff

[Joe Cool]

127. Shapiro

[polichick]

130. Please do not put the war back in the spotlight!

[CousinIT]

136. Isn't the Lt. Gov of PA an election denier. If Shapiro goes on to be VP, it leaves her?

I do like the guy, though, and he'd be a great pick.

Roy Cooper will be free after January and is a lifelong champion for the middle class, women, and workers. He has much experience in many roles as a Democrat.

Mark Kelly leaves a Senate seat open and may be too soft-spoken?

It seems there are important considerations for any of them. But they'd all be good picks.

Buttigieg has young babies at home and is LGBTQ ( I personally would LOVE a ticket with a woman of color and an LGBTQ person on it, especially Pete). But there are Dem voters who would side-eye that—how many, I don't know. But what an awesome ticket that would be. It shouts "FUTURE"!

I dunno!

[ARandomPerson]

149. The lieutenant governor of PA is a Democrat.

Austin Davis, who was Josh Shapiro’s running mate.

[CousinIT]

174. OK Thanks. I could have looked that up but misremembered

There is some rumbling about someone in PA being an election denier and how that might be an issue if Shapiro is chosen for VP.

My bad memory!

[ARandomPerson]

150. The lieutenant governor of PA is a Democrat.

Austin Davis, who was Josh Shapiro’s running mate.

[brush]

137. Shapiro, Whitmer, Cooper and Kelly are all great. I think Kelly of...

Az has a slight edge as Az is a battleground state, and Kelly on the presidential ticket may very well help Ruben Gallego's run against the hated election denier Kari Lake for the other Az US Senate seat. The governor of course will appoint another Democrat to fill Kelly's vacated seat. If that scenario happens, Az, a state turning blue, could have TWO, count 'em, TWO Democratic US Senators. And it goes wilthout saying that will help us with our Dem majorith in the US Senate.

Curiously, Califoria Governor Gavin Newsom is not being mentioned. I think it's probably because he came out so vociferously, and first, in defense of Joe Biden after the poor debate performance. And maybe he quietly took his name out of consideration.

[LeftInTX]

148. It's the same state thing with Newsom. (Two from CA) From what I've seen of Newsom, he's got an ego

and may not be good fit for VP. Plus he was married to Kim G.

[pat_k]

169. I know it is awful to say, but...

Gavin Newsom gives me the creeps. I don't understand his popularity. I guess he must be a savvy politician, but he has always struck me as a sleazy salesman type. You know, the guy you instinctively steer clear of on the showroom floor.

[pat_k]

167. A quirk of the electoral count act

Pres and Vice Pres from the same state is a problem:

From the 12th Amendment:

The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; . . .

So, if I'm an elector from California, I need a ticket that has either the P or the VP from a state other than California.

Cheney and Bush were both from TX but Cheney sold his Dallas house and changed his residency.

[brush]

173. Good info on the 12 Amendment. Could be why Gov. Newsom is not mentioned as a VP possible.

He probably knows that and let others know he's not to be considered.

[Nanjeanne]

144. Interesting list of progressive accomplishments

For Walz. The more I learn the more I really like.

- universal free school meals
- legal weed
- carbon free electricity by 2040
- tax rebates for the working class up to $1,300 (making under $150k per year)
- 12 weeks paid family leave
- 12 weeks paid sick leave
- banned conversion therapy
- red flag laws for guns
- universal background checks for guns
- automatic voter registration
- free public college (under $80k)
- ban on PFAS (forever chemicals)
- $2.2 billion increase in k-12 school funding
- sectoral bargaining for nursing home workers

[pat_k]

151. Mark Kelly (with reservation about risk to Sen seat); Roy Cooper (term limited, office not at risk)

[Torchlight]

152. I feel like an odd duck, but I have no real preference.

I'm looking at a wide, deep pool of talent. The way I feel about any of them over another is like asking me, "who's more attractive, Irenne Dunne or Myrna Loye?" I'd stutter with a reponse, and change my mind each time I made. At this point, and considering the Democratic roster of talent, I'm just gonna wait for Vice President Harris and her staff to sort through it.

[red dog 1]

155. My preference is Mark Kelly.

[Traurigkeit]

157. Pete Buttigieg - highly effective

[phoenix_rising]

171. Pete's a rockstar! n/t

[Dem4life1234]

158. Cooper or Kelly

[Tribetime]

160. Shapiro nt

[Indykatie]

166. I Think Kelly is the Best Fit Though I Initially Thought It Should be Shapiro

With Shapiro, we'd spend too much time talking about Israel and Gaza politics and turn off many younger voters.

[LudwigPastorius]

170. Kelly

His extra-Earth exploits have earned him national name (if not face) recognition.

He just might deliver Arizona's electoral votes to Harris.

There are people out there who might not vote for Kamala, if not for a "traditional" low-key, white, male candidate on the ticket to moderate their unease. Sad, but true.

[Politicub]

176. All of ones at the top of the list have positive traits.

My pick is whoever Kamala chooses.