Democratic donors take the reins on vetting potential VP picks: report

21 July 2024

As groups of Democratic lawmakers begin to call on President Joe Biden to drop his reelection bid, Democratic donors have their eyes on who could potentially be the next vice president.

According to a new Washington Post report, top Democratic donors "are funding a preliminary vetting process for potential vice-presidential nominees" in the case the president listens to allies and quits.

Per Newsweek, "An Economist/YouGov survey conducted this week found that 79 percent would support Harris as the Democratic nominee if Biden were to withdraw from the race."

Four people with knowledge of the process told the Post that those "involved in the effort have contacted the teams of top Democratic figures, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear."

Additionally, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly are also being vetted, the sources said.

"Truthfully, they all have something to offer," University of Georgia politics professor Audrey Haynes told Newsweek earlier this week. "The Democratic Party has a strong bench and the choice will depend on who is at the top of the ticket. Who will balance the ticket, provide some electoral benefit (perhaps move a swing state) or perhaps expand a voter bloc that may have voters to expand vote margins in close races."

The Post notes, "A vetting process typically includes a deep review of a potential candidate’s governing record, public statements, personal finances and other personal and private activities to help decision-makers weigh the potential risks of each selection."

The Post's full report is available here (subscription required).

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