Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden
Joe BidenTrump denies asking White House about adding him to Mount Rushmore HuffPost reporter: Biden’s VP shortlist does not suggest progressive economic policy. Jill Biden says she plans to continue teaching when she becomes first lady MORE is ready to elect his vice-president, an important strategic decision with major implications for his campaign and his presidency if he wins the White House.
Half a dozen women are seen as the top contenders for the post. All would offer different types of benefits to Biden with key demographic groups and as proponents of a Biden administration.
Sen. Kamala Harris
Kamala Devi HarrisHuffPost Reporter: Biden’s VP Shortlist Suggests No Progressive Economic Policy Hillary Clinton labels Trump coronavirus executive actions a ‘stunt’ Why Joe Biden needs Kamala Harris MORE (D-Calif.) Remains the favorite to get the nod. Confidants and allies with Biden say she makes the most sense as a running mate during the campaign and as a governing partner for him on Capitol Hill.
“I think she’s a low risk to him,” said one source who spoke to Biden. ‘She does not have a lot of baggage, and she has relationships on the hill that can help him as president.
“I think in many ways she could help him as he helped Obama,” the source said.
Democratic strategist Joel Payne said Harris is a low-risk choice because they appeal to so many different Democratic groups.
“Sen. “Harris seems to be a candidate who would be the easiest to sell to all the divergent constituencies that make up the Democratic coalition,” he said. “It would also appear that their choice would make the worst waves, and in a race where most observers feel like Biden enters the fall with a marked advantage, a Harris selection will allow that momentum to continue virtually uninterrupted.”
Yet even at this late hour, some Democrats continue to push other candidates, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth WarrenHuffPost Reporter: Biden’s VP shortlist suggests no progressive economic policy Hillary Clinton marks Trump coronavirus executive actions in ‘stunt’ Michelle Obama, Sanders, Kasich to be on the first night of the Democratic convention: Report more (D-Mass.), The favorite of progressives.
Biden met with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen WhitmerWillie Brown: Kamala Harris must ‘politely decline’ any promise to be Biden’s running mate The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Negotiators signal relief lawsuit, not dead Hillary Clinton labels Trump coronavirus executive actions a ‘stunt’ MORE recently renewed interest in their opportunities and underscored the importance of Michigan as a swing state in the race.
There are also ongoing questions about whether Biden can choose someone like former National Security Adviser Susan Rice, with whom he worked closely in the Obama administration, as Rep. Karen Bass
Karen Ruth BassHuffPost Reporter: Biden’s VP shortlist does not suggest progressive economic policies. Biden campaign says no VP pick yet after cycling quip Hillary Clinton has NYT Maureen Dowd on column MORE (D-Calif.), Who has strong relationships on Capitol Hill and has gained strong ties from House leadership, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Officials from Nancy PelosiWhite House, Democrats spit on legality, substance of executive orders Sunday shows – Trump Coronavirus executive orders reflect Pelosi: ‘Of course there is room for compromise’ on 0-per-week unemployment benefits MAY (D-Caliph.).
Travel remains a big favorite among those who worked in the Obama administration, several sources say.
“Look, the two have collaborated on issues far and wide,” said one source from Obama World of Rice. ‘He knows exactly how she would be. He’s seen it in real life, and he knows she’s locked up with him by the administration. ‘
But Travel also poses a risk to Biden, with President Trump
Donald John TrumpTrump suggests some states ‘can pay nothing’ as part of Trump’s unemployment plan denies White House asked about adding him to Mount Rushmore Trump, US face pivotal UN vote on Iran MAY and Republicans ready to strike by linking Biden to Benghazi’s controversy, which was a common attack against 2016 Democratic nominees Hillary Clinton
Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonHillary Clinton labels Trump coronavirus executive actions a ‘stunt’ What Trump got wrong by coal to Trump Trump fights the bad war MAY.
Rice, then the US ambassador to the United Nations, made the rounds on Sunday shows back in 2012 to say that the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, was the result of a violent protest and not a planned terrorist attack. The Obama administration and Clinton later retracted that statement, saying it was in fact a terrorist attack. The campaign by Trump and Republicans has signaled that they will attack Rice over the issue if she is Biden’s choice.
If she gets the nod, Rice allies say she’ll be afraid to go on and tell that story.
“I think he loves Susan more than anyone,” the Obama World source said. “I think he might think Kamala is the better choice for this moment.”
While Harris controls most of the boxes for Biden – she’s a political figure in power, one who is seen as capable of being president and a campaigner who can deliver an attack on Trump – it’s not crystal clear whether Biden will land on the senator in California.
Whoever picks Biden will be immediately cast as a candidate for the White House in 2024 given the possibility that Biden, who is 77, will serve no more than one term.
Harris, 55, is particularly seen as a future White House candidate after her unsuccessful presidential bid last year. And that has caused some allies to Biden.
“I think some people are afraid that they will not necessarily be a team player because they will always worry about their own interests,” said one Biden ally. ‘I think Biden gets that. I think that’s one of the reasons you’ve seen a lot of other options. ”
At the same time, some Democrats say Warren may be the best choice because she can whip up the basics, which seems more anti-Trump than pro-Biden.
“The thing for Warren would be that she helps in the campaign by shooting up progressive and young people, while also being a good government partner,” said Democratic strategist Eddie Vale. “And besides, she’s the best fundraiser for him so far from the candidates.”
Warren is holding a fundraiser for Biden on Tuesday along with Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) And Jennifer Newsom, the filmmaker who is married to California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gavin NewsomLos Angeles police officers attend party at bar against state order: report California’s reported decline in infection period may not be accurate, official says California: Double threats of arson and COVID-19 underscore need for prevention MORE.
The Massachusetts senator who often talks to Biden has also played a behind-the-scenes role in helping Biden make part of his recent economic proposals.
‘She has ideas. She is heavy on policy, ‘said one ally. ‘She would be a perfect partner in the White House.
“But right now, it’s up to Joe,” the ally added. “Only he knows what he wants.”
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