Who Will Harris Pick For VP?
Digest
This podcast episode delves into the 2024 Democratic VP selection process, with hosts engaging in a mock draft to choose potential running mates for Kamala Harris. The discussion centers around the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate, considering factors like electability, policy positions, media presence, and their ability to appeal to a broad range of voters. The hosts analyze the impact of JD Vance's selection as Trump's running mate in 2024, comparing his situation to Sarah Palin's in 2008. They also explore the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing a running mate from a key swing state, and discuss the feasibility of a "unity ticket" in the current political climate. The episode features a lively debate as the hosts make their picks, highlighting the diverse perspectives and considerations involved in selecting a VP candidate.
Outlines
2024 Democratic VP Draft & JD Vance's Impact
The podcast hosts a mock draft of potential VP candidates for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate and analyzing the impact of JD Vance's selection as Trump's running mate.
2024 Democratic VP Snake Draft: Rules & Criteria
The hosts begin their 2024 Democratic VP selection snake draft, explaining the rules and criteria they will use to choose their picks. They emphasize that they are not selecting who they think would be the strongest VP pick, but rather who they think the VP pick will be.
First Picks: Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly, Tim Walz, Roy Cooper
The hosts each make their first picks for VP, highlighting the strengths of Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania), Mark Kelly (Arizona), Tim Walz (Minnesota), and Roy Cooper (North Carolina).
Second & Third Picks: Buttigieg, Biden, Beshear, Whitmer, Pritzker
The hosts continue their draft, making their second and third picks, including Pete Buttigieg, Joe Biden, Andy Beshear, Gretchen Whitmer, and JB Pritzker.
Final Picks: John Stewart, Joe Manchin, Phil Scott
The hosts conclude their draft with their final picks, including John Stewart, Joe Manchin, and Phil Scott, discussing the potential impact of each candidate on the 2024 election.
Keywords
Josh Shapiro
Josh Shapiro is the current governor of Pennsylvania. He previously served as the state's attorney general. He is considered a rising star in the Democratic Party and is known for his moderate views and ability to work with Republicans.
Mark Kelly
Mark Kelly is the current senator from Arizona. He is a former astronaut and the husband of Gabby Giffords, a former congresswoman who was shot in the head by a constituent. Kelly is known for his moderate stance on issues like border security and gun violence.
Tim Walz
Tim Walz is the current governor of Minnesota. He is a former teacher, coach, and veteran who served in the National Guard. Walz is known for his progressive views and his ability to appeal to a wide range of voters.
Roy Cooper
Roy Cooper is the current governor of North Carolina. He is a former attorney general who has known Kamala Harris for many years. Cooper is known for his ability to win in a swing state and his potential to help Harris expand her electoral map.
Pete Buttigieg
Pete Buttigieg is the current Secretary of Transportation. He is a former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and a candidate for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Buttigieg is known for his communication skills and his ability to reach conservative audiences.
Joe Biden
Joe Biden is the current president of the United States. He previously served as vice president under Barack Obama and as a senator from Delaware. Biden is known for his experience, relationships, and ability to work behind the scenes.
Andy Beshear
Andy Beshear is the current governor of Kentucky. He is a Democrat who has been able to win in a red state. Beshear is known for his ability to appeal to Republican voters and his potential to help Harris expand her electoral map.
Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer is the current governor of Michigan. She is a Democrat who is considered a rising star in the party. Whitmer is known for her popularity and her experience in a key swing state.
Q&A
What are some of the key factors that the hosts consider when choosing their VP picks?
The hosts consider factors like electability, policy positions, media presence, and the candidate's ability to appeal to a broad range of voters. They also consider how the candidate's selection would reflect on Harris and her campaign.
How do the hosts assess the impact of JD Vance's selection as Trump's running mate?
The hosts believe that Vance's negative media coverage could potentially hurt Trump's campaign, but they also acknowledge that Trump's own personality and policies are likely to have a greater impact on the election.
What are some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing a running mate from a key swing state?
Choosing a running mate from a key swing state can help a candidate win that state, but it can also lead to concerns about the candidate's ability to appeal to voters in other parts of the country.
How do the hosts view the potential for a "unity ticket" in the 2024 election?
The hosts believe that the current political climate is not conducive to a "unity ticket," but they acknowledge that such a strategy could be viable in the future.
What are some of the potential challenges that Harris faces in choosing a running mate?
Harris faces challenges in balancing the need for a running mate who is electable, experienced, and able to appeal to a broad range of voters with the desire to choose a running mate who reflects her own values and priorities.
Show Notes
In this installment of the 538 Politics podcast, the crew drafts potential running mates for expected Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Who will the veep choose for veep?
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