As the 2020 elections draw near, Kamala Harris, the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee, is in a rush to find a running mate who perfectly complements her ambition and political agenda. Her quest to find the ideal candidate is inherently linked with the Democrats’ overarching goal for the year – to regain power in the United States.
Harris’s search faces several challenges. The most crucial one is this: how does she find a running partner who will augment her appeal to the key voting demographics? Knowing that the Black vote is significant in winning the upcoming elections, Harris, the first woman of Afro-Asian descent on a major party’s presidential ticket, could be looking to select a running mate who can consolidate this support.
One pertinent strategy would be to look among former presidential candidates. Why? They have already gained attention and recognition on the national front and could bring along a certain number of votes. Beto O’Rourke, for example, might appeal to the Latino demographic, while Cory Booker could appeal to the liberal and black communities.
In addition, a significant factor to consider is bridging the progressive-moderate gap within the Democratic Party. Striking a balance could help unite members of the party who are divergent in their political leanings. Figuring out who could be the choice in this regard is not straightforward. Bernie Sanders embodies far-left policy stances, while Pete Buttigieg leans more towards the center.
Experience in public office and the ability to tackle the Trump-Pence combination on the debating stage are also vital factors when selecting a running mate. Ideal candidates would have a strong political track record and possess the knack for navigating through the tumultuous realm of political debates.
Furthermore, regional factors could come into play. If the Democrats want to scoop up the midwestern votes, someone like Sherrod Brown of Ohio or Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan could be worth considering.
It is also necessary to analyze the potential role of women candidates. If Harris chooses a woman as her running mate, it would underscore her commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Names like Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand come to mind, both of whom have impressed with their sound policy proposals and political acumen.
Ultimately, Harris’s choice of a running mate would not merely be a strategic election move. It would be a decisive statement about the future direction of the Democratic Party, the United States, and what the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities will be. The stakes are high, and the choice is bound to be a consequential one, given the current socio-political climate in the USA.
Given the diverse range of factors that Harris must consider, her sprint to find a running mate is more of a complex, intricate dance – a dance that requires adroit steps to strike a harmonic chord with Democratic voters nationally.