Given these circumstances, who would make the best Vice Presidential choice? Typically, selecting a VP nominee involves several strategic factors. Here's what I believe are the typical considerations:
Balance the Ticket:
Geographic Balance: Choosing a running mate from a different region to appeal to a broader range of voters.
Ideological Balance: Selecting a VP with a slightly different political stance within the party to attract a wider spectrum of voters.
Complement the Presidential Nominee:
Experience: If the presidential candidate lacks experience in certain areas (e.g., foreign policy), the VP might be chosen to fill that gap.
Personality and Style: The VP’s demeanor and approach should complement and enhance the presidential candidate’s image.
Party Unity:
Appeal to Different Factions: The VP nominee often helps to unite various factions within the party, ensuring broad support.
Demographic Appeal:
Diversity: Reflecting the diversity of the electorate in terms of race, gender, age, and ethnicity.
Voter Blocks: Targeting specific voter groups (e.g., young voters, women, minorities) who are crucial for the election.
Electoral Advantage:
Swing States: A VP candidate from a key swing state can potentially deliver that state’s electoral votes.
Popularity and Charisma: A candidate who is well-liked and can energize the base and attract undecided voters.
Governing Partnership:
Compatibility: Ensuring the VP can work effectively with the president.
Readiness to Govern: The VP should be seen as capable of stepping into the presidential role if necessary.
Political and Campaign Skills:
Effective Campaigner: Someone who can campaign vigorously across the country.
Fundraising Ability: Proven ability to help raise funds for the campaign.
Personal Integrity and Background:
Clean Record: Minimal personal or professional scandals that could detract from the campaign.
Vettable: Must be able to withstand intense public and media scrutiny.
Strategic Timing:
Campaign Momentum: The timing of the VP announcement can be used to generate media attention and boost the campaign’s momentum.
News Cycles: Coordinating the announcement to maximize positive coverage.
Policy Expertise:
Specific Knowledge: Bringing specific knowledge or expertise to the administration's key policy areas (e.g., economics, healthcare).
Considering these factors, potential VP candidates could include Josh Shapiro, Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Bob Casey, Jared Polis, JB Pritzker, Andy Beshear, Joe Manchin, Tim Ryan, Jennifer Granholm, Wes Moore, and Sally Yates.
While these are notable contenders, there are many other qualified individuals worth considering. I'm interested in hearing and sharing thoughts on who you believe would be the best choice in this critical moment. Also included a Ridin' With Biden option to make no change even though that's outside the hypothetical.
ETA: Posted this before I saw this huge poll, July 13 - 16, 2024 - 1582 U.S. Adult Citizens:
https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/d ... Pu9WiO.pdf79 percent of Democrats approve of Harris replacing Biden if he steps aside: Poll
BY LAUREN SFORZA - 07/18/24 8:59 AM ET
An overwhelming majority of Democrats say they approve of Vice President Harris replacing President Biden atop the ticket if he decides to step aside, according to a poll released Thursday.
The Economist/YouGov survey found 79 percent of Democrats would support Harris at the party’s nominee in November if Biden chose to withdraw from the race. A growing number of Democrats are calling for the incumbent to step aside in the wake of a poor debate performance against former President Trump last month.
Crosstab Report:
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X 4
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