Kamala Harris’ Five Factors to Narrow Down Her Vice Presidential Choices

Pressure is mounting on Vice President Kamala Harris to choose her vice presidential running mate as she faces a tight deadline to win in November.

New report from DUMB indicated she was looking for someone with “top-level” management experience and someone who could help balance costs.

Governors Josh Shapiro (D-PA), Roy Cooper (D-NC), Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), Tim Walz (D-MN) and Andy Beshear (D-KY), along with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), are rumored to be vying for the coveted vice presidential position.

Here’s how each could help Harris win voters’ support.

Managerial experience

As Biden’s number two, Harris has faced criticism that she doesn’t have the portfolio to lead the country. Harris could strengthen her standing with voters by choosing a vice presidential candidate with extensive experience. The presumptive Democratic nominee could choose a governor, who serves as a state executive, as her vice president.

Several candidates fit that description. Cooper was elected to the North Carolina chief executive office twice. With nearly 40 years of experience in state politics, the swing state governor may have the resume Harris is looking for. Meanwhile, Beshear, Walz and Shapiro also bring executive experience to the table. While Shapiro has only two years of gubernatorial experience under his belt, the swing Democrat added to his resume by serving as Pennsylvania’s attorney general from 2017 to 2023. Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) has also been tapped as a vice presidential candidate.

There is also speculation that Whitmer will be a candidate for vice president, but the Michigan governor has made it clear that she wants to finish her term as governor.

FILE – Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) speaks May 2, 2024, in Wilmington, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Oscillate

Harris, who GovTrack ranked as the most liberal U.S. senator, has progressive views on issues like abortion, climate change and student loans. Choosing a centrist vice presidential candidate could be key to Harris winning over independents and undecided voters in November.

Beshear would be a perfect fit for the job. The moderate, two-term governor defeated a Trump-backed Republican in the red state last year. He has indicated he would be open to running for vice president.

“I think if someone asks you that, at least listen,” Beshear said on MSNBC Good morning Joe on Monday.

Shapiro could be another option for Harris to consider. Shapiro easily defeated Trump-backed Doug Mastriano in 2022, 56.5% to 41.7%. Shapiro, who is Jewish, could help bridge the growing divide within Harris’ party over the Israel-Hamas conflict and win over voters discouraged by progressives’ stance on the war.

Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) talks about the status of construction of the Blue Oval SV battery plant during an interview at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky, Thursday, June 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Meanwhile, potential vice presidential candidates like Walz could be sidelined if Harris decides to focus on adding moderating power to the ticket. The Minnesota Democrat is backed by progressives like “Squad” Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and has taken far-left positions on abortion and transgender issues.

Money

A winning campaign requires money. With just 101 days left in the election campaign, Harris could use every dollar to her advantage. DUMB says Kelly is the favorite of the donor class, while multibillionaire Pritzker could also be a cash asset. Pritzker, a top surrogate when Biden led the Democratic nominee, is worth about $3.5 billion.

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) talks about the southern border outside the West Wing of the White House, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Electoral College

Winning the White House comes down to winning the Electoral College. Hailing from the swing states of Pennsylvania and Arizona, Shapiro and Kelly could provide Harris with exactly that. Cooper could do the same in North Carolina, becoming the only Democratic governor to win a state that Trump also won in 2020.

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Relation

Cooper brings in ballots and executive cards, and also checks the relationship box. Several sources said DUMB that Harris’ relationship with Cooper is “real” and that he faithfully supported her during the election campaign in his state.

Kelly also has the added bonus of a personal relationship with Harris. The vice president is said to be close to the Arizona senator and his wife, former congresswoman Gabby Giffords.