North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, once considered a top contender for being Kamala Harris’s potential running mate, has decided to step back. This information was shared with us by some undisclosed individuals who are familiar with the current situation. Whether this move points at a crisis within the Democratic party is something to consider.
Cooper, who once chaired the Democratic Governors Association, was seen as a prime option to accompany Harris on the Democratic nominee’s journey. However, his sudden retreat from the race, while shrouded in mystery, signals more of a fracture in the party’s unity.
The question of why he would remove himself from consideration remains unanswered. When questioned about this, both Harris’s campaign spokesperson and Cooper’s representative remained eerily silent. This lack of communication further feeds speculation about internal Democratic disagreements and power plays.
Cooper has had interactions with Harris since their shared days as state attorneys general and even campaigned with her recently. The fact that he could triumph in governor’s races twice in North Carolina, a zone of political conflict, while Trump maintained his presidential stronghold in the state could be seen as an inconsequential feat considering his current withdrawal.
At 67, Cooper, although older than the 59-year-old Harris, is 10 years younger than Trump. Though Cooper’s age might be a factor leading to his withdrawal, it seems more likely that it’s a diversion to hide deeper problems within the Democratic party.
Harris is rushing to pick a running mate, with the aim to come up with a choice by August 7. This quick timeline, coming just a couple of weeks after her decision to replace Biden on the Democratic ticket, suggests a chaotic scramble and disarray within the party.
Apart from Cooper, there are several who are apparently under serious consideration to team up with Harris. This list includes Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and the very popular transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg.
Informed voices have let slip that the number of potential running mates has been reduced to five, which again signifies a swiftly moving and unstable selection process. Then again, the Harris campaign has supposedly vetted a dozen candidates. However, these voices requested anonymity, shedding further question on the opaque nature of the Democratic selection process.
Interestingly enough, Admiral William H. McRaven, formerly at the helm of the United States Special Operations Command, has also withdrawn himself from the vice-presidential candidate list. Previously, Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan clarified that she had no interest in running on the national ticket and plans to serve her term till 2026 elections. These series of withdrawals are indicating more signs of turmoil within the Democratic party.
Harris’s screening process was initiated last week, and it’s projected to conclude by this weekend. So far, she hasn’t had face-to-face meetings with any potential running mates. The early stage interactions with members of her campaign staff commenced over virtual calls.
Several contenders have been publicly campaigning, which looks more like a tryout for Harris’s stamp of approval. Pete Buttigieg got screen time on Fox News and is due to appear on ‘The Daily Show’. Governor Tim Walz is also making his presence felt via various news outlets including CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News.
In addition to this media frenzy, Walz even got a profile feature in the magazine Runner’s World. It seems the potential candidates are making great strides to capture attention, while the party’s internal structure appears disorganized.
Kentucky’s Governor, Andy Beshear, pursued his campaign in Georgia, evidently trying to bring the southern state under the Democratic fold. Whether his efforts pay off or fall flat, only the nearing elections will tell. Meanwhile, these desperate attempts of campaigning raise questions about cohesion within the Democratic camp.
Governor Josh Shapiro, on the other hand, opted to campaign in his home state, Pennsylvania, over the weekend, and again on Monday alongside Whitmer. One wonders if this reveals a lack of confidence in the party’s path, leading to him seeking solace in familiar grounds.
Harris’s frantic search for a suitable running mate and the unending series of public ‘auditions’ seem to be a poor reflection of the party’s unity and decision-making prowess. The hurried pace and complexity of the selection process signify an underlying panic within the ranks.
Therefore, from the sudden withdrawal of potential vice-presidential candidates to the swift yet chaotic vetting process, it seems the Democrats and Harris are failing to maintain a stable and harmonious political front. Time will only tell how these developments affect Harris’s chances in the upcoming electoral battle.