Top VP Contender Withdraws from Kamala Harris’ Shortlist
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has officially withdrawn from consideration as a vice presidential candidate for the Democratic ticket led by Vice President Kamala Harris. In a post on social media, Cooper stated that the timing was not suitable for him or the state of North Carolina. Cooper recognized that North Carolina is a crucial state in presidential elections and believed he could have been an asset to Harris, particularly against former President Donald Trump, who has previously won the state. However, he cited concerns about the potential for his absence from the state during campaigning to create problems for the current administration under Lt. Governor Mark Robinson. As Cooper is term-limited and not seeking reelection, he felt it best to focus on state matters rather than the vice presidency. Reports suggest that other candidates are being considered to fill the vice presidential spot, including several governors and other prominent officials. The Democratic National Convention is set to begin on August 19, where Harris is expected to announce her running mate soon.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has pulled out of consideration as a vice presidential candidate on the Democratic presidential ticket led by Vide President Kamala Harris.
“This just wasn’t the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket,” Cooper posted to X.
— Roy Cooper (@RoyCooperNC) July 30, 2024
North Carolina is considered a state that is in play in the presidential election, which meant Cooper could have helped Harris win that state over former President Donald Trump, who won the state in 2016 and 2020, Axios noted.
Cooper faces term limits as governor and is not on the ballot this fall.
According to The New York Times, Cooper had privately taken himself out of consideration last Monday, one day after President Joe Biden ended his campaign for re-election.
Citing sources it did not name, the Times report said Cooper feared that if he was out of the state for extended periods while campaigning, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is seeking to be elected governor, might try to use the absences as a way to take executive authority in the state.
The report said Cooper said if such an event took place it would be a distraction he wanted to avoid.
Should Kamala Harris choose a running-mate designed to flip a battleground state? Probably not. The evidence for a veep mattering in any state is weak. Harris should pick someone qualified to serve who reinforces her message. https://t.co/0C8zWlKZjM
— Intelligencer (@intelligencer) July 30, 2024
The Times report listed Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as comprising the shortlist of potential picks.
Fox News added Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker as possible picks as well.
One name that made a number of early lists — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer – is no longer in contention.
Whitmer said Monday she is “not a part of the vetting” process, according to CBS.
VP Kamala Harris is going to announce her running mate “probably, in the next 6, 7 days,” campaign co-chair @GovWhitmer tells CBS Mornings.
She adds that she believes Harris’ running mate does not need to be a White man in order for her to win. https://t.co/qcj6TcLdJz pic.twitter.com/GV4GsZ5drf
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) July 29, 2024
“I have communicated with everyone, including the people of Michigan, that I’m going to stay as governor until the end of my term at the end of 2026,” Whitmer said Monday.
Whitmer said she expects Harris to make her selection in the next few days.
The Democratic National Convention will begins Aug. 19.
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