# Harris VP choice as she is the official presidential nominee of the Democratic Party for 2024 **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** kamala-harris\ **Created:** [July 21, 2024, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552 "2024-07-21T19:06:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/203 "2024-07-22T16:21:42Z")
Harris would be running to not just be the first female president but also the first non-white woman. In terms of trying to decide whether the base will come out to vote for her, I think that the desire to see a historic outcome will be sufficient to get people to go to the ballot station. She really gains very little by trying to pull in the left. There are a lot of Republicans who actually believe in Republican values - lawfulness, a balanced budget, global lawfulness, unionism, republicanism, etc. Those ones can be convinced to stay home or even cross aisles. That’s going to have a much larger effect on the outcome. If you can convince those that you’re not the anti-christ, through your VP pick, you’re going to get a good showing during the election. ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/204 "2024-07-22T16:21:51Z")
Cooper is 67, so if he served two terms he’d be 75 or 76 at the end. That seems like what we’re trying to get away from. OTOH, Gov. Walz seems like a good candidate, and I don’t think we should rule him out just because he _looks_ old. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/205 "2024-07-22T16:24:02Z")
Yeah, I’d say that anyone over 60 should probably be ruled out. You should generally assume an 8 year presidency when making your pick for VP and Harris isn’t so young or wide-eyed seeming that I feel like she needs to bring in some elder statesman to give an air of gravitas. She should just get someone useful, who could win the chair again in 8 years. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/206 "2024-07-22T16:24:57Z")
I gave one extra year, but same idea. ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/207 "2024-07-22T16:28:40Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Raskin would be fantastic. He was on the January 6th Committee, and one of the Impeachment managers for the second Trump Impeachment. He’s is very capable and articulate when explaining what Trump has done and why it matters. He is a Constitutional Law professor, and a popular House member. He’d wipe the floor with JD Vance. We already have a literal prosecutor on the ticket, I don’t think we particularly need to duplicate those skills. Also, he’s Jewish (I’m amazed at how many Jews seem to be coming up in this discussion). He’s also a member of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, so apparently he’s a Jewish _atheist_. Not sure how that would go over in flyover country. ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/208 "2024-07-22T16:29:28Z")
> [@Lamoral](#): > > The Dems have been trying to dunk on Trump non-stop for the past 8 years. It hasn’t really accomplished anything. Except for, you know, the Presidency in 2020. 🤷 (I don’t really disagree that Harris needs to deliver a positive agenda that outlines how they will make people’s lives better, but they ALSO damn well need to continue to dunk on Trump mercilessly). ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/209 "2024-07-22T16:30:28Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > I’m still in favor of Kelly over anyone else. He has all upsides as far as I can tell. The more I read I think you are right. Sounds like an all around amazing guy and I didn’t even know he is the husband of Gabby Giffords. I still want Whitmer, though. Or pennsylvania governor. Harris needs Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and hopefully Georgia. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/210 "2024-07-22T16:32:03Z")
Vance is a wannabe badass. Mark Kelly is a real badass. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/211 "2024-07-22T16:37:44Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > > [@What\_Exit](#): > > > > Could you explain why? I had to look up who he even was. > > Raskin would be fantastic. He was on the January 6th Committee, and one of the Impeachment managers for the second Trump Impeachment. He’s is very capable and articulate when explaining what Trump has done and why it matters. He is a Constitutional Law professor, and a popular House member. He’d wipe the floor with JD Vance. I have to agree with Procrustus (and, well myself). Raskin does not pull any punches, he says it like it is. He really, really seems to give a shit. ---
**Author:** ![Hawkeyeop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/958977/32.png) [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/212 "2024-07-22T16:38:04Z")
Mark Kelly was well known before becoming a politician. I would expect he has the most name recognition of the four. Certainly more than Shapiro and Cooper. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/213 "2024-07-22T16:42:08Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Raskin does not pull any punches, he says it like it is. He really, really seems to give a shit. He is thoughtful and articulate. Likable. Obviously smart, and forceful without being mean. I don’t think he’ll be picked by Harris, (and that’s okay) but I would like to see his profile raised over the next few years. I’m a big fan. He also lost a son to suicide a few years ago, and has more recently battled cancer of some type. (apparently successfully). ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/214 "2024-07-22T16:43:41Z")
I remain unconvinced that Shapiro being Jewish is going to tank Michigan because of its large Muslim population. While maybe they stay home on Election Day, I think most people for whom Israel is a major election issue are going to see Trump as a far more dangerous alternative. Regardless, I think Bashear or Kelly is a better alternative. Ultimately, she needs to avoid picking someone who is boring. This campaign needs energy, and a team that people can get excited about. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/215 "2024-07-22T16:50:01Z")
> [@E-DUB](#): > > I get what folks are saying on this subject, but Shapiro is a heck of a speaker. Yeah, I love the guy. We’re lucky to have him as governor. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/216 "2024-07-22T16:51:03Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > And aside from that, an all-Cally ticket would be a very hard national sell. An "all-Cally’ ticket won’t work as they’d lose California, correct? Can’t give up California in the EC. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/217 "2024-07-22T17:03:21Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > I think most people for whom Israel is a major election issue are going to see Trump as a far more dangerous alternative. True for some, but there are enough Muslims and Gen Z and zillenials who either don’t think Trump is more dangerous or who want to send a message to Democrats. From [this article:](https://slate.com/human-interest/2024/04/donald-trump-joe-biden-2024-election-michigan-muslims.html) > “If it came down to Trump and Joe Biden, I will vote for Trump. Because it doesn’t get worse than Joe Biden,” a man named Salah told me. His friend, Amad, added, “Biden was supposed to be the peacemaker. The comfort-maker. Instead, he became accessory to the biggest genocide in modern history.” I think Shapiro poses a risk to more than just Michigan. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/218 "2024-07-22T17:04:51Z")
Whitmer has no interest in being veep, she’s co-chairing the Harris campaign. [https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/07/22/kamala-harris-campaign-biden-drop-out/gretchen-whitmer-vice-president-00170328](https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/07/22/kamala-harris-campaign-biden-drop-out/gretchen-whitmer-vice-president-00170328) ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/219 "2024-07-22T17:07:26Z")
I remember seeing an organizer of the “uncommitted” campaign in Michigan being questioned about whether it was really wise to attack Biden, given that Trump would be so much worse. She replied “60 members of my family have been killed in the last few months, how much worse could it be?”. I mean, sure, it _could_ be worse, but I’m not going to try to sell that woman on a “lesser of two evils” argument. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/220 "2024-07-22T17:12:43Z")
You’re not going to be able to sell it but the unfortunate answer is things could be a lot worse particularly for those members of her family that live here. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/221 "2024-07-22T17:17:08Z")
> [@Thing.Fish](#): > > He’s also a member of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, so apparently he’s a Jewish _atheist_. Not sure how that would go over in flyover country. Noiw, me, I’m sure. When you join the Congressional Freethought Caucus, you give up the possibility of national office. Maybe this will change in ten years. Maybe OK sooner for a Republican. Not in 2024. Jewish is OK if really Jewish, not ersatz Jewish. Obviously, I was not a Bernie Bro 😀 ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/222 "2024-07-22T17:27:22Z")
Another advantage of Mark Kelly is that you could get Scott to do campaign appearances as Mark and cover twice the ground! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552.md?page=12)