Biden says Whitmer still in contention for VP pick

[RandySF]

Former Vice President Joe Biden said he is still considering Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) to be his running mate as he sifts through a field of several women for his No. 2 pick.

“Incredibly and yes,” Biden told Wood TV Tuesday when asked how important Michigan is in the presidential race and if Whitmer was still in contention for the vice presidential nomination.

The remarks confirming Whitmer is still in the running to be Biden’s running mate come as focus has been thrust more sharply on Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.), Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D), former national security adviser Susan Rice and more.

Biden has already vowed to select a woman as his running mate, though he’s come under increased pressure to pick a woman of color in light of the current national reckoning over systemic racism that was sparked by the killing of George Floyd in May.

Proponents of picking Whitmer have suggested she can boost Biden’s chances of winning Michigan, a key swing state that President Trump narrowly won in 2016. However, some Democrats have warned that picking another centrist could risk alienating the party’s progressive flank.


https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/508444-biden-says-whitmer-still-in-contention-for-vp-pick

[RockRaven]

1. You cannot choose a governor at a time when governors are the front-line covid policy makers

It's fine to say that they are being considered, that is probably good politics compared to the opposite...

[Kaleva]

2. The VP will lilely be our nominee in 2024 and I'd prefer someone with more national experience

[tinrobot]

3. I do like her.

Not a huge amount of experience, but she's definitely a rising star.

[smirkymonkey]

4. I like her, but I don't think he's going to pick a white woman as VP.

At this point, it would really look bad if he did not choose an AA woman since that has been expected all along.

I still say Harris is the best choice.

[StevieM]

5. I think he may well pick Tammy Duckworth.

Her heroism contrasts nicely with Donald Trump life-long selfishness and cowardice.

[Indykatie]

6. I Like Whitmer But Those Who Say Biden Needs Her to Boost His Chances in MI Are Wrong

Biden will win MI easily without Whitmer. Whitmer is my #2 choice so I'd be happy if he picked her but I still think Harris is a better choice.

[jorgevlorgan]

11. Not boost

Just assure. Leaving nothing to chance is the name of the game here. Biden gives us PA, Whitmer gives us MI, allowing us to focus more on WI and other states that are far from a sure thing.

[greytdemocrat]

7. Elizabeth Warren. N/T

[smirkymonkey]

8. I don't think it would be a good look for him to pick a white woman after

all the talk about picking an AA woman. It just wouldn't work. Besides, two elderly, folksy east coasters does not make a very exciting ticket. I think Harris is his best bet. He needs someone younger, charismatic and with good name recognition.

[secondwind]

9. I can see Harris as Attorney General

[Buckeyeblue]

10. I don't think Whitmer could step away to campaign

With school getting set to start at the end of the month and all of the concern around that. I'm good with Harris or Duckworth.

I don't necessarily agree that the VP pick will be the nominee in 2024. Granted, they have an advantage but there are many variables.