From Cooper to Contender: The Hunt for Harris’s New Running Mate Heats Up

From Cooper to Contender: The Hunt for Harris's New Running Mate Heats Up

Well, well, well… It looks like the Democrats’ VP search just hit another speed bump. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has decided to take his hat out of the ring for Kamala Harris’s running mate. Is it because he couldn’t stomach the thought of playing second fiddle to our illustrious Vice President, or is there more to this story? Let’s dive in and see what’s really going on in the Tar Heel State.

The Withdrawal

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has officially withdrawn from consideration as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 election. This decision comes as a surprise to many political observers who had considered Cooper a strong contender for the role.

The Reasons Behind Cooper’s Decision

Cooper’s withdrawal is reportedly influenced by several factors, including concerns about the political landscape in North Carolina. One of the primary issues is the possibility of Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson ascending to the governorship if Cooper were to leave office.

I don’t see any vulnerabilities,” said Republican VP nominee JD Vance.

Despite this earlier statement, it seems Cooper has had a change of heart. The prospect of a Republican taking over the governor’s mansion in North Carolina appears to have given him pause, highlighting the delicate political balance in the state.

Impact on the Democratic Ticket

Cooper’s decision to withdraw from consideration leaves the Democratic Party searching for other potential running mates for Vice President Harris. This development raises questions about the strength of the Democratic ticket and who might be able to complement Harris effectively.

Rep. Don Davis of North Carolina also mentioned that North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, would be an “excellent” choice for a running mate.

While this quote was not directly related to Cooper’s withdrawal, it underscores the challenges facing the Democratic Party as they seek to build a strong ticket for 2024. The party must now look to other – potentially weaker – candidates who can bring regional appeal and political experience to the table.

Cooper’s Legacy and Future

Despite withdrawing from VP consideration, Roy Cooper remains a significant figure in North Carolina politics. His tenure as governor has been marked by both achievements and controversies.

Senior political analyst for the John Locke Foundation Mitch Kokai told Fox News Digital: “He has won six statewide elections since 2000. That’s an impressive accomplishment for a Democrat in a state that has trended right during the same time period.”

Sources and Citations:

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper withdraws from Kamala Harris running mate consideration, report says

NC Gov. Roy Cooper: No longer a VP pick for Kamala Harris

NC Gov. Cooper opted out of Harris VP vetting, in part over worry about GOP lieutenant, AP sources

Roy Cooper withdraws from consideration to be Kamala Harris’ running mate

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper withdraws from consideration as running mate with Vice President Harris, report says