President Joe Biden’s Withdrawal and Vice Presidential Shortlist: A Comprehensive Analysis

President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race on Sunday set off a whirlwind of activity among Democrats to coalesce around Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s pick to replace him. While Harris seems to have secured enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination, speculation has been swirling about who she’ll pick to join her on the ticket.

More Likely Candidates

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona

Mark Kelly’s resume makes him an attractive vice presidential pick. He is a Navy captain, astronaut, and has a record of winning tough races in a key swing state. He is also quite popular, with an average net favorable rating of +2 percentage points among all adults nationwide and +35.3 points among Democrats.

However, there are some potential downsides to choosing Kelly. He is relatively unknown on a national stage, and he may not be able to bring in as many votes as some other candidates.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Josh Shapiro is another strong contender for the vice presidency. He is a popular governor with a high approval rating in Pennsylvania. He is also a moderate Democrat who could appeal to voters in swing states.

However, Shapiro does have some weaknesses. He is not well known on a national stage, and he has been criticized by some for being too moderate.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Andy Beshear is one of the most popular Democratic governors in the country. He is popular even in a state that voted for Trump by 26 percentage points in 2020. Beshear has gained popularity through a combination of name recognition and his response to various emergencies during his time in office.

However, Beshear is poorly known outside of Kentucky. He also has no experience in national politics.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

Roy Cooper is another governor who has been mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick. He won both his gubernatorial races in 2016 and 2020, at the same time that Trump carried the state. Cooper could improve the party’s chances in a tightly fought gubernatorial election to fill his office.

However, Cooper is relatively unknown outside of North Carolina. He is also older than some of the other candidates.

Less Likely Candidates

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Pete Buttigieg is a former presidential candidate who is now serving as Transportation Secretary. He is popular among Democrats, but he is less well known among the general public. Buttigieg also has some baggage, including his handling of the Boeing 737 Max crisis.

However, Buttigieg does have some strengths. He is a charismatic speaker and he is able to communicate across the political spectrum. He is also a military veteran.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker

J.B. Pritzker is a wealthy businessman who is serving as Governor of Illinois. He is not well known outside of Illinois, and he has a net favorability rating of -5.8 points.

However, Pritzker is a major donor to the Democratic Party. He also has a strong record on progressive issues.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Gretchen Whitmer is a popular governor of a swing state. She is a rising star in the Democratic Party, and she has a strong record on progressive issues.

However, Whitmer has said that she is not interested in being vice president. She also does not have much experience in national politics.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

Tim Walz is a Minnesota governor who is known for his progressive policymaking. He is also a party loyalist with deep establishment connections.

However, Walz is not well known outside of Minnesota. He also has a relatively low approval rating in his home state.

Conclusion

The vice presidential pick is a crucial decision for any presidential candidate. Harris will need to choose someone who can help her win the election and who can also be an effective partner in governing. The candidates on this list all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and Harris will need to weigh them carefully before making her decision.