Top VP Contenders Make Their Case to the Harris Campaign in High-Stakes Veepstakes
Several Democratic hopefuls are actively working to raise their visibility and present themselves as strong candidates for the role of Harris' running mate.
TroibNews 
Can swing state voters be swayed by leveraging their governor's influence? Who has read “Hillbilly Elegy,” and what are they saying? And how does Diet Mountain Dew fit into this picture?
Welcome to the quickly unfolding and fairly conspicuous race to become Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate for 2024. The contenders — predominantly white and male, as noted online — have been unofficially showcasing themselves to join her on the ticket, with a decision expected by August 7. Many speculate that Harris would benefit from choosing a partner who complements the ticket in terms of demographic and geographic considerations, potentially tipping the scales in favor of the Democrats.
Among those reportedly being considered are Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Governors Tim Walz of Minnesota, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, along with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is also thought to be a candidate, although she recently dismissed the possibility. While none have publicly sought the role, they have each increased their visibility, campaigning for Harris and appearing in the media, strategically deflecting questions about the vice presidency.
The Harris campaign has indicated that the vice president “directed her team to begin the process of vetting potential running mates,” without further elaboration on the search. This vetting is being conducted by the Covington & Burling law firm, according to an anonymous source familiar with the process.
Here’s how several top contenders are working to win the favor of the Harris campaign:
### Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro: Showcasing Swing-State Skills
Shapiro’s vice-presidential ambitions were highlighted at a recent Harris endorsement event that turned into a celebration of his qualifications for the ticket. He’s been actively campaigning in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, emphasizing his electability. Shapiro stated that the decision to pick a running mate should be “free from any political pressure” but has since ramped up his campaign efforts.
### Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz: Keeping It Unconventional
Walz gained attention with a viral comment about Trump and Vance on MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki”: “These guys are just weird.” He repeatedly shared this sentiment on various media platforms, boosting his profile. Walz has expressed openness to the role, saying he’d consider it if he could help Harris win.
### North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper: Centering Harris
Cooper has taken a less aggressive approach, focusing on supporting Harris rather than explicitly pursuing the vice presidency. He suggested that discussions about the vice-presidential role should occur “later,” while emphasizing the importance of Harris securing the nomination.
### Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear: Targeting Vance
Beshear has actively campaigned both locally and nationally, attacking Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance. His comments about Vance and Diet Mountain Dew have gone viral, highlighting his assertive stance. Beshear has expressed a willingness to consider the role if it benefits Kentuckians.
### Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly: Leveraging Personal Stories
Kelly, while quieter, has criticized Vance’s comments about childless individuals and highlighted his own family’s experiences. His wife, Gabby Giffords, has stumped for Harris, underscoring Kelly’s support.
### Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg: Boosting His Presence
Buttigieg has increased his media and campaign presence, attacking Trump and Vance. He acknowledged the personal impact of Vance’s remarks on his own adoption journey. Buttigieg has been actively campaigning, including a canvass launch in Michigan and upcoming appearances on Fox News and a fundraising call titled “White Dudes for Harris.”
Overall, these potential running mates are strategically positioning themselves, each bringing unique strengths and campaign approaches to gain Harris’s favor in her vice-presidential selection process for the 2024 election.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
Welcome to the quickly unfolding and fairly conspicuous race to become Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate for 2024. The contenders — predominantly white and male, as noted online — have been unofficially showcasing themselves to join her on the ticket, with a decision expected by August 7. Many speculate that Harris would benefit from choosing a partner who complements the ticket in terms of demographic and geographic considerations, potentially tipping the scales in favor of the Democrats.
Among those reportedly being considered are Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Governors Tim Walz of Minnesota, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, along with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is also thought to be a candidate, although she recently dismissed the possibility. While none have publicly sought the role, they have each increased their visibility, campaigning for Harris and appearing in the media, strategically deflecting questions about the vice presidency.
The Harris campaign has indicated that the vice president “directed her team to begin the process of vetting potential running mates,” without further elaboration on the search. This vetting is being conducted by the Covington & Burling law firm, according to an anonymous source familiar with the process.
Here’s how several top contenders are working to win the favor of the Harris campaign:
### Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro: Showcasing Swing-State Skills
Shapiro’s vice-presidential ambitions were highlighted at a recent Harris endorsement event that turned into a celebration of his qualifications for the ticket. He’s been actively campaigning in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, emphasizing his electability. Shapiro stated that the decision to pick a running mate should be “free from any political pressure” but has since ramped up his campaign efforts.
### Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz: Keeping It Unconventional
Walz gained attention with a viral comment about Trump and Vance on MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki”: “These guys are just weird.” He repeatedly shared this sentiment on various media platforms, boosting his profile. Walz has expressed openness to the role, saying he’d consider it if he could help Harris win.
### North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper: Centering Harris
Cooper has taken a less aggressive approach, focusing on supporting Harris rather than explicitly pursuing the vice presidency. He suggested that discussions about the vice-presidential role should occur “later,” while emphasizing the importance of Harris securing the nomination.
### Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear: Targeting Vance
Beshear has actively campaigned both locally and nationally, attacking Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance. His comments about Vance and Diet Mountain Dew have gone viral, highlighting his assertive stance. Beshear has expressed a willingness to consider the role if it benefits Kentuckians.
### Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly: Leveraging Personal Stories
Kelly, while quieter, has criticized Vance’s comments about childless individuals and highlighted his own family’s experiences. His wife, Gabby Giffords, has stumped for Harris, underscoring Kelly’s support.
### Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg: Boosting His Presence
Buttigieg has increased his media and campaign presence, attacking Trump and Vance. He acknowledged the personal impact of Vance’s remarks on his own adoption journey. Buttigieg has been actively campaigning, including a canvass launch in Michigan and upcoming appearances on Fox News and a fundraising call titled “White Dudes for Harris.”
Overall, these potential running mates are strategically positioning themselves, each bringing unique strengths and campaign approaches to gain Harris’s favor in her vice-presidential selection process for the 2024 election.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
