Five Most Likely Vice-Presidential Candidates For Joe Biden
With Joe Biden announcing that he would choose a woman as his running mate, there are five women who stand out as his likeliest choices: (Note: Out of the five choices, #1 is most likely while #5 is least likely)
Honorable Mention: Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer has become a rising star in the Democratic Party for not backing down against Donald Trump’s nonsensical twitter barbs during the Covid-19 crisis. Whitmer, the current Governor of Michigan, is also at the head of a critical swing state in November that Democrats must utilize every available resource to win.
Unfortunately, Whitmer isn’t yet ready to become the choice for Vice President. Whitmer was only elected to be Governor in 2018 and it would be a massive risk to have her jump so quickly into the national stage. Whitmer’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis has earned praise but would also face criticism for the disproportionate number of Covid-19 cases and deaths in Michigan. Additionally, Whitmer has become a lightning rod for criticism among Covid-19 deniers and those who wish to end the current shutdown of businesses. Whitmer, who is 48 years old, has a bright future ahead of her, but now is not quite yet her time.
5. Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Warren wants to be Joe Biden’s pick for Vice President. While the two 2020 campaign adversaries don’t always see eye to eye on policy, the two do share a deep mutual respect for one another and Warren herself stated that she would accept the job of Vice President if asked. Warren, with her charisma, experience and tenacity, would make for a great VP candidate. Her laser-like focus on issues such as health care, consumer protections and tax reform have earned her a devoted following across numerous spectrums of the Democratic party. Warren’s fundraising prowess would be a valuable asset on the campaign trail and Democrats go wild when she launches blistering attacks against Donald Trump.
A few factors do hold Elizabeth Warren back, however. First and foremost is that Warren is 70-years old. It would be a tough sell to put another septuagenarian on the ticket with Joe Biden considering the Democrats have generally portrayed themselves as a party for the younger generations. Warren has also been mired with a few controversies that might hold her back such as her cringy response to Donald Trump’s Native American challenge.
Warren’s perceived change of position on health care also earned her the ire of many Bernie Sanders supporters and could slightly hamper her ability to unite together the progressive and more moderate wings of the party. Elizabeth Warren would be a fantastic choice for VP. She has the experience, attack persona and devoted following that is needed to be a successful pick. If she can convince the party to look past her age and instead focus on her myriad of abilities, then she will be one of the favorites to be selected.
4. Tammy Baldwin
Tammy Baldwin, the 58-year old, second-term Wisconsin Senator is almost certainly the least known name on this list. But don’t let Baldwin’s lack of notoriety fool you. She was the LGBTQ politician to ever be elected to the U.S. Senate and the first woman from Wisconsin to be elected to the body. Baldwin has similarly progressive positions to Elizabeth Warren and signaled her support to enact some form Medicare For All just after the 2016 election. Baldwin is an impressive speaker and a fierce advocate for issues that resonate with the Party’s progressive base. Democrats will likely need to win Wisconsin in order to win the general election as a whole. Perhaps Baldwin’s biggest selling point is that she represents a critical swing state in Wisconsin. It is possible that Baldwin’s hometown roots could be enough to put them over the top in Wisconsin.
The only true negative aspect of a Biden-Baldwin ticket would be Baldwin’s relative lack of name recognition. While political junkies and Midwesterners likely know Tammy Baldwin, it is likely that the average east or west coast voter has never heard of the her. Baldwin would have to spend time introducing herself from scratch to much of the electorate. Baldwin, as a result, would likely have more trouble fundraising for the presidential ticket than someone Elizabeth Warren as well. Despite this reality, Baldwin has an impressive resume and carries the potential to unite the multiple facets of the Democratic party.
3. Amy Klobuchar
It is almost impossible to say anything negative about Amy Klobuchar. The folksy, even-keeled, Minnesota Senator has proven time and time again that she has the ability to handle the big stage and impressed many during the 2020 campaign. While she did not win the Democratic nomination for President, Klobuchar was able to position herself well with Joe Biden. Klobuchar’s last minute endorsement of Biden was likely the main catalyst that helped him win the Minnesota primary. Biden almost certainly made some form of promise to Klobuchar in exchange for her endorsement and that might be in the form of a Vice Presidential nomination. Klobuchar would be a potent candidate for securing suburban and swing voters whom may feel queasy about voting for Donald Trump again.
A Biden-Klobuchar ticket, however, could have difficulty appealing to the most liberal wings of the Democratic Party. While it would not be the fault of Klobuchar, it is hard to see a scenario where Bernie Sanders supporters would truly get excited over a Biden-Klobuchar ticket. Democrats know it is paramount to win over former Sanders supporters and Klobuchar might have a tough time arguing that she is best positioned to do that compared to Warren or Baldwin. Klobuchar may end up being a victim of circumstance where the Democratic Party feels obligated to choose a more liberal running mate for Biden.
2. Kamala Harris
It has been more than a rocky road for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, but there is still a good chance that she could end up as the choice for Vice President. Harris has a glittering resume and is a passionate speaker who can bring an entire room together. As a former prosecutor, she is tough, pointed and not afraid to go on the attack. In a campaign against Donald Trump, those traits are mandatory to be successful. Harris has a deep personal story that is also certain to resonate with minority voters across the country.
If this list were to have been made 12 months ago, then Kamala Harris would have been the undisputed number one option for Vice President. In those 12 months, however, Harris initiated a memorable clash with Joe Biden on the issue of busing and segregation and implied that the Democratic standard-bearer had supported racist policies. Add that to Biden’s apparent forgetfulness that Harris was black and it’s clear that these two have not had the greatest of working relationships until now. If Harris were to be the choice, then there could be an uncomfortable dynamic between the two that could threaten the entire campaign. Harris’ handling of her own Presidential campaign was also done haphazardly and indicated that she may not have the discipline or wherewithal to run in a national campaign.
1. Stacey Abrams
Stacey Abrams, the former Democratic candidate for Governor of Georgia is a true dynamo. Just listen to her speak and she will move you to action. Despite her narrow defeat for Governor, in Georgia, Abrams has remained active and laser-focused on critical initiatives such as voting rights, health care expansion and criminal justice reform. Abrams would be a critical surrogate for Joe Biden in the black community, and she has displayed appeal between all segments of the Democratic electorate. She is perhaps the best situated candidate to appeal to black voters in cities such as Milwaukee, Atlanta, Cleveland and Detroit and drive them to the polls on election day.
Abrams, like Tammy Baldwin, does suffer from a lack of name recognition. While known by black voters and political junkies, Abrams is another candidate who is not widely known on the coasts or in the Midwest. Another obstacle for Abrams is proving that she can be a winner. Abrams was the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, but she has never won a statewide or national race before. Despite these obstacles, Abrams provides Joe Biden with everything he could possibly want from Vice Presidential candidate. She is passionate, unapologetic and willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve her cause. Be on the lookout for Abrams and don’t be surprised if she ends up with the nomination for Vice President.