# 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:** 15
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/283 "2024-07-23T07:25:01Z")
Kelly didn’t vote for the Green New Deal, which some won’t like. Small trivia question- if Kelly is picked, would he be the first candidate with a Science degree? I could wish his legislative career had been longer. And the son of two police officers, which some might like and others not 🤷‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/284 "2024-07-23T09:05:40Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > Small trivia question- if Kelly is picked, would he be the first candidate with a Science degree? At least two Presidents had science degrees - Hoover was a Stanford geology grad, Carter also has a BSc with a physics slant and did postgrad nuclear physics. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/285 "2024-07-23T09:32:15Z")
Interesting, thank you for the facts! ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b77776/32.png) [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/286 "2024-07-23T10:53:07Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > I like Buttigieg a lot but I am not sure a ticket with a woman who is Asian and Black and a gay man will work. It shouldn’t be an issue but we know it is. Seconded. I think Josh Shapiro would bring a lot to the ticket. Another prosecutor who could repeatedly refer to President Trump as a felon. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/287 "2024-07-23T12:49:52Z")
So, amongst the folk here, opinion seems to be coalescing aroung Kelly, Beshear, Shapiro being the best - and all good - choices. How much you wanna bet she goes for someone else - I would suspect someone who is likely milquetoast and unlikely to really excite anyone? Going for quiet competence, trying to make it appear as tho this is a normal situation, rather than the critical moment so many on both sides perceive. My great fear is that she does something to really take the edge off of any momentum she might be able to create at this moment. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/288 "2024-07-23T13:16:21Z")
Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that he expects Kamala Harris to pick a running mate by Aug. 7, when Democrats plan to finish the process of formally nominating her as their candidate for president. ---
**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 23, 2024, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/289 "2024-07-23T14:29:13Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > In 2020, Biden picked Harris on August 11. The convention started August 17. > In 2016, Trump picked Pence on July 15. The convention started July 18. > In 2016, Clinton picked Kaine on July 22. The convention started July 25. > > In all cases, a few days before the convention. If you think about it logistically, it makes total sense: you need at least a day or two to print all the signs and swag 🙂 And there’s no way the name won’t leak once you’re printing 10,000 t-shirts. ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/290 "2024-07-23T14:36:25Z")
> [@Thing.Fish](#): > > I don’t see that Beshear has avoided culture war issues. He’s used executive orders to try to protect access to abortion and medical cannabis, and he’s vetoed legislation targeting trans kids. You’re correct, and yet somehow he has avoided having that stuck to him. Something about the way he dismisses the GOP’s efforts as distractions (while still standing up for Dem principles) has worked for him in the state. I don’t know that he could get away with it nationally. But I could be completely wrong. Andy has been killing it on the morning shows. “The problem with JD Vance is that he has no convictions, but I guess his running mate has 34.” ---
**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 23, 2024, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/291 "2024-07-23T14:40:50Z")
> [@Thing.Fish](#): > > My logic is that if she gets tough with Israel, the QOP will accuse her of being anti-Semitic, and a Jewish running mate who backs her up would defuse those attacks. OTOH, anyone who thinks someone with a Jewish husband is anti-Semitic is probably voting for Trump anyway, so maybe it doesn’t matter. Israel is a hot botton issue on the left not on the right. The right loves Bibi and the evangelicals support Israel no matter what. The Democratic candidate has to walk a tightrope on Israel and Gaza. It’s best to not have a VP candidate that brings the issue to the forefront. It can only drive a wedge into the party. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/292 "2024-07-23T14:49:32Z")
> [@Thing.Fish](#): > > Why do people keep talking about Pete Buttigieg? He wasn’t qualified for the office based on being a small town mayor, and four years as Secretary of Transportation doesn’t cut it either. I agree with you. He’s not qualified. He’s in the same camp as a former future savior of the Democratic Party…Beto O’Rourke. ---
**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 23, 2024, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/293 "2024-07-23T15:01:10Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > I agree with you. He’s not qualified. He’s not my choice, but I think he’s “qualified.” While experience is a factor, I’d put more stock in things like intelligence, decency, ability to communicate, and commitment. Many of us like Mark Kelly as a choice, but he has even less government experience, and how does being an astronaut or Navy captain relate to the duties of the President (or VP)? ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/294 "2024-07-23T15:04:31Z")
> **off-topic for thread {WE?}** > > Shapiro/Pete 2028! ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/295 "2024-07-23T15:06:52Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > and how does being an astronaut or Navy captain relate to the duties of the President (or VP)? Leadership skills, maturity, ability to maintain calm and focus in a high-pressure situation, for a start. Also, FWIW, as a Naval officer, he was a fighter pilot and test pilot, and flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/296 "2024-07-23T15:28:26Z")
> **reply to off-topic post hidden {WE?}** > > > [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > > > Shapiro/Pete 2028! > > Um, why not re-elect Harris/\_\_\_\_\_? Josh & Pete in '32, maybe. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/297 "2024-07-23T15:46:55Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > He’s not my choice, but I think he’s “qualified.” The only cabinet members that became POTUS were Secretary of State, that I’m aware of. Being the Transportation Secretary and the mayor of town with 100k population is not qualified. And given his record as transportation secretary is not stellar. ---
**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 23, 2024, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/298 "2024-07-23T15:50:53Z")
Secretary of War, **William Howard Taft**. I believe there were others. **Ulysses S. Grant** went from Acting Secretary of War to President ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/299 "2024-07-23T15:53:32Z")
And Herbert Hoover was Secretary of Commerce before being elected President. George H.W. Bush was CIA director and Ambassador to the UN, although those were not Cabinet posts at the time. ---
**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 23, 2024, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/300 "2024-07-23T15:54:15Z")
**Moderating** : And with the list complete, back to the VP choice please. That goes for me too. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/301 "2024-07-23T15:59:08Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > I would prefer [Jared Polis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jared_Polis) (yes, I boost him, I like him as my Governor) as a pick for a LGBQT VP candidate > “If they do the polling and it turns out that they need a 49-year-old balding gay Jew from Boulder, Colorado, they’ve got my number,” Polis quipped, in a moment that quickly went viral on social media. “Obviously, if somebody asks, I’d take a serious look at it,” he added, “but my phone hasn’t rung yet.” [**SOURCE**](https://www.westword.com/news/polis-jokes-hes-too-bald-gay-jewish-for-harris-running-mate-21420227) 😉 ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harris-vp-choice-as-she-is-the-official-presidential-nominee-of-the-democratic-party-for-2024/1004552/302 "2024-07-23T16:06:00Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > How much you wanna bet she goes for someone else - I would suspect someone who is likely milquetoast and unlikely to really excite anyone? Going for quiet competence, trying to make it appear as tho this is a normal situation, rather than the critical moment so many on both sides perceive. My great fear is that she does something to really take the edge off of any momentum she might be able to create To put it more generally: A “disruptive” candidate is usually expected to choose Mr. Normalguy Nothingtofearhere as a running mate. The key thing is, is Harris seen more as an “establishment” candidate by virtue of office and career, or as a “disruptive” candidate because Afro-Indo-American Woman. As usual with all these choices every election, sure, you do not want someone who’ll upstage the standard-bearer, but it sure helps if they can be more than just a piece of stage furniture (does anyone off the top of their heads recall what was Kaine supposed to bring to the HRC campaign?) and can reassure some segments (e.g. Obama: Biden, experienced regular white guy; Trump16: Pence, religious-right party insider). And of course you positively, absolutely do NOT want stunt casting as with McCain/Palin. [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=14) [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=16)