Who Should Be Kamala Harris' VP Pick?

In a turn of events, President Joe Biden announced he’s dropping out of the 2024 Presidential Race and has endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris. The universe is aligning to prevent a fight at the Democratic National Convention in a few weeks. Potential candidates Gretchen Whitmer and Gavin Newsome have indicated they aren’t interested in running against Kamala. Rep. James Clyburn endorsed her, a remarkable turnaround from when he sabotaged her in 2020, endorsing Biden after saying he’d stay neutral and taking public digs at Harris and the other Black candidate in the race, Cory Booker.

Several other Democratic bigwigs have endorsed Harris, and her nomination should be a lock within the next couple of days. But nothing is guaranteed. Although it wouldn't have been surprising if Hillary Clinton threw her hat into the ring, she and husband Bill ultimately got on board and endorsed Harris. Should anyone supplant the current Vice President as the Democratic Nominee, it’s likely Black voters will take serious umbrage after being the most loyal voting bloc of the Party. For the moment, let’s assume the Democratic Party has no desire to self-destruct and that Kamala Harris will be the nominee.

So, who will Kamala choose as her potential Vice President?

WHO: Gavin Newsome, California Governor

Gavin Newsome is possible, but he may feel he’s the better choice. Newsome faces the same issue Marco Rubio faced with Donald Trump: the Presidential and Vice-Presidential nominees can’t be from the same state. Both Newsome and Harris reside in California. Newsome has name recognition, and some believe he’s been running a stealth campaign all along in the event something happened to Joe Biden. Something did happen, as in the debate between Biden and Trump, where Biden performed so horribly that the Party pushed Joe to drop out. There was no mechanism to propel Newsome past a sitting VP. More than likely Newsome sits this election out in hopes of a shot in 2028 or 2032.

WHO: Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Governor

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer wouldn’t be insulted if asked to be Kamala’s VP choice. Her problem is gender. America has never before elected a female president, let alone a female ticket. Whitmer is qualified but, in the eyes of many, would put one too many women on the ticket. There’s a theory the pair could invigorate women voters, especially with abortion as an important issue this year.

WHO: Wes Moore, Maryland Governor

Maryland Governor Wes Moore would be an outstanding nominee to balance the ticket under any other candidate. Do I have to say why a Harris/Moore campaign will never happen? You already know. I won't say never, as nobody can predict the future, but definitely not in 2024.

WHO: Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Governor

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is from a crucial swing state, and the theoretical votes he brings with him could make a difference in the general election. Shapiro provides a contrast to Harris and brings the hope things will return to normal whether Harris wins or loses.

WHO: Pete Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary

A highly qualified longshot is Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. For the past four years, he has waded fearlessly into enemy waters explaining administration policies and emerged unscathed. Democratic Party power brokers likely won’t allow a pairing of two women, two Black people, or one woman and one gay person. Buttigieg would have a better chance to emerge as the Presidential candidate than Kamala’s Vice Presidential choice.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear won’t even win his home state for Democrats and adds nothing to the ticket. North Carolina's Roy Cooper might put North Carolina in play, but it doesn’t help much nationwide. If I ever bet money on politics, I’d go with Josh Shapiro, but Democratic donors may have the final say based on who they support.

Of the numerous challenges faced by Harris, the biggest may be that her own Party has tried sabotaging her twice and may do so a third time. After she hurt Biden’s image in a 2020 debate, where she said she wasn’t calling Joe Biden racist but implied as much, they tried to weaken her again after she became Vice President, charging her as weak and incompetent. Now they need her again, and they’ll be supportive in public, but will Party infighting hurt her chances to become America’s first woman President?

I remember Kamala Harris well, who destroyed Attorney General Bill Barr, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, and Jeff Sessions in Senate subcommittee hearings. I can’t wait to see her debate Donald Trump.

This post originally appeared on Medium and is edited and republished with author's permission. Read more of William Spivey's work on Medium. And if you dig his words, buy the man a coffee.

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