Here are the negatives I see for each of the VP options...

[brooklynite]

ROY COOPER (NC-GOV) Has Mark Robinson as LtG, who could cause chaos every time Cooper left the State to campaign.

JOSH SHAPIRO (PA-GOV) Jewish (prospectively scares off the pro-Gaza voters in Michigan) and supports school vouchers

TIM WALZ (MN-GOV) Most left-leaning of all the known prospects; doesn’t help with an at-risk State.

ANDY BESHEAR (KY-GOV) Doesn’t;t expand the map (Kentucky isn’t remotely competitive)

MARK KELLY (AZ-SEN) Looks great on paper but reportedly not a compelling speaker on the stump.

PETE BUTTIGIEG (DOT SEC) Gay (not so much a religious bias; more a risk that he suggests playing identity politics); strong linkage to the Biden Administration (vs allowing Harris to frame her own message.)

Personally, I think Pete presents the best risk/reward option.

[sky_masterson]

1. Pete is my dream

I think for Image alone that Mark Kelly may be the best suited.
You could refine his message and stump skills I think.
Being an astronaut and the man who stuck with his wife after a failed assassination attempt means something.
Everyone loves an astronaut. Plus being from a border state.
That is where I would go

[CurtEastPoint]

4. good points

[Kittycatkat]

27. I agree wholeheartedly.

[BComplex]

28. Mark Kelly voted with Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin against Biden's pick for Labor Sec'y.

Got Biden's pick for Labor Secy defeated by voting with the republicans.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

39. So his vote had no impact

If Manchin and Sinema opposed the nominee was dead already and his vote was meaningless.

[BComplex]

44. "and his vote was meaningless." Well, not to me, really.

He made a statement with his vote.

I know he's in a state with a lot of powerful and nasty republicans, and he had to answer to that. So I definitely cut him slack in that respect. But votes show where they stand, too. And he didn't stand with Biden or with Democrats.

[sky_masterson]

51. That plays well to those who might not want to vote for a Democrat

The fact that he didn't vote in line with his party plays well for him being a moderate. It might actually be a plus.

[Aristus]

52. As a Senator, Joe Biden seemed immovably centrist.

Then went on to be the most progressive President in eighty years.

If Mark Kelly becomes VP, I don't think he's going to do a lot to undermine the ticket, or torpedo any chances he has of following Harris as President (if he even has such ambitions.)

[BComplex]

59. I'm all in for Walz now anyway. I don't see any downside with him.

Check out the video and posts posted down thread from here. I think you'll agree Aristus.

[PeaceWave]

63. Mayor Pete is a smart guy. And, him being gay is not a "negative."

[LisaL]

2. Cooper can not run for governor again anyway.

So the state of NC will have to get used to Cooper not being governor anyway.

[democrank]

3. Thanks for posting this. Food for thought.....

I could support any of the potential VP picks you mentioned. Right now I favor Kelly and Buttigieg. Kelly for his (and Gabby’s) accomplishments and character, Buttigieg for his accomplishments, intelligence and communication skills.

I’ll enthusiastically support Vice President Harris’ choice.

[Fiendish Thingy]

5. Cooper's risk might be worth it

Robinson’s chaos when Cooper was out of state might just accelerate Robinson’s loss, and Cooper could rescind any nutty orders upon return.

Cooper could help flip NC which has 16 EV’s compared to PA’s 19. Flipping NC for Harris could also help downballot dems.

[LisaL]

6. Yep. Cooper won NC twice, which is not an easy thing to do for a democrat.

And he can not run for re-election as governor, so it's not like it's going to cost us governorship.

[FloridaBlues]

43. Gov Cooper clarified that the Lt Gov has little power when he is out of state

As long as there is communication ability the Gov is still in charge. Not Lt Gov.

[dsc]

7. I don't think Robinson would be dumb enough to go off the deep end every time Cooper left

He is running for governor and he doesn't want to scare the electorate. Selfishly I also think Cooper would help us here in NC with down ballot races.

[brooklynite]

8. I don't think you've met Mark Robinson.....

[dsc]

10. I have but he is currently under some supervision apparently

I think we underestimate him at our peril. Look, it would be great if he actually did go buck wild when Cooper left, as it would serve as a preview for us. But, I do think someone has him under control right now.

[mucholderthandirt]

61. Going by his commercials, someone is holding his leash. Hard.

If you didn't know he was batshit crazy, he sounds so likeable and reasonable. This is a danger to the state, we don't need yet another idiot Republican in the governor's office. It's taken Roy Cooper eight years to clean up the last mess.

[yardwork]

22. Cooper is my governor and he says he's not worried about leaving the state.

Robinson is running for governor now and won't do anything to endanger U.S. chances of election.

Edit - I meant this reply to be for brooklynite. I agree with dsc.

[Kid Berwyn]

9. SWOT

Strengths. Weaknesses. Opportunities. Threats.

IMFO: Let's go with Mark Kelly. Guy's a hero in every field and space he's entered.

And, at essence, all he has to say on the stump: "We're not trump."

[RustyWheels]

11. Walz Is My Dark-Horse Choice

He's been on the TV a lot lately, "Auditioning" for the VP job, and has been doing great.

The most left-leaning for sure, but the results in MN during his governorship have been outstanding.

He will compliment the ticket and boost our chances in the Midwest/Rust-Belt states ( MN, IA, WI, MI, OH and PA ).

[Nanjeanne]

18. If feeding kids, supporting abortion rights, providing tuition free college etc is "left leaning" then I guess

he is. But he supported gay marriage way before it was the norm and still turned a red district blue. So perhaps these things have been mistakenly called left leaning when they are really just policies majority population supports.

[LizBeth]

24. I just moved from Minneapolis, lived there 2 yrs and I think MN in many ways

runs their govt better than Or, and I am impressed with Or. lol.

[BComplex]

46. I pretty much agree with everything you said, RustyWheels. Walz is a great pick.

We have such a deep & qualified bench, it has to be tough for Harris to choose.

It's hard enough for us armchair quarterbacks on DU!

[WarGamer]

12. Kelly is safest... Buttigieg is aspirational.

[Fla Dem]

13. My choice is Andy Besher. I know he is a risk, but I think he could bring a lot to the campaign.

and later to the administration. He has a favorable reputation not only in Kentucky, but other Southern states as well.

Attached article highlights and expands on the pros and cons of selecting Besher.

With Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Democrats eye a VP pick who can win over blue-collar voters
The two-term governor, getting buzz as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris, won re-election last year in a state Trump won by more than 20 points in 2020.
July 24, 2024, 12:49 PM EDT
By Matt Dixon and Katherine Doyle

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/kentucky-gov-andy-beshear-democrats-vp-pick-kamala-harris-rcna163115

I also like PETE BUTTIGIEG. While he has good approval ratings, when it comes to actually selecting him on the ballot, I think there'll be a lot of hesitation particularly among religious voters, men and older voters. My concern is when voters have to make a selection of a Minority Female along with a Gay Man, that selection will be very difficult. A bridge too far for many. For those sick of Trump, they may end up, not voting at all, voting for RFK Jr or leaving the President selection blank. I hope I'm wrong, I think they'd make a great team.

[Demsrule86]

17. He can't bring a state in...Shapiro brings us must win PA...

[yardwork]

25. I think Beshear would help win other states.

He can't win KY or OH, but he'd help us win MI, PA, WI, and possibly NC and GA.

Beshear and Cooper help us with centrist white swing voters all over the EC.

[gab13by13]

36. I agree,

Shapiro locks in 19 Electoral votes. I live in Pa. and I wish people outside of Pa. need to know how much money Magats are pouring into Pa. TSF beat Hillary in Pa. in 2016, by 1 point.

Magats ran anti-Kamala ads in Pa. 2 days after Joe stepped down. Magats have just started running Willie Horton ads.

Just saying, the race is to 270 and Pa. has 19.

[BComplex]

47. Not at all impressed with Beshear.

Walz, Cooper, Buttigieg, Shapiro, Kelly. We have all the good people, and the republicans don't have ANYTHING!!

[pinkstarburst]

14. I am seeing Pete Buttigieg EVERYWHERE

getting Kamala's message out. He is so well spoken. He does well under fire. He is youthful and inspiring and I think he would encourage the same vitality and energy in the campaign that Kamala currently has fired up. We need someone who generates energy and lights a fire under our base and gets them excited to vote.

ROY COOPER -In addition to the issues caused by the Lt. Governor, he's one of the older potential candidates. I would rather have a pick that can be set up to be president in 8 years.

JOSH SHAPIRO -I was really excited about him at first and he's probably still my second choice, but the school vouchers thing and the fact that we could lose MI and WI makes me nervous. Does taking him out of Pennsylvania mean if there are voting shenanigans, we won't have a governor in place to stop them?

TIM WALZ -I don't really have an opinion on Walz either way. What does he gain us, other than being a white male governor? We usually win MN.

ANDY BESHEAR -Same as Walsh, I don't really have an opinion on Beshear, but I don't see the positives either. We won't win Kentucky anyway, so it seems like all we'd be doing is taking a Democratic governor out of a red state where we likely won't get a democratic governor elected again.

MARK KELLY- I haven't seen him on any talk shows. Is he a good speaker? Does he have energy that can keep us going for the next 100 days? I am also concerned about the loss of the AZ senate seat.

[LisaL]

35. As I recall Obama went with an older VP.

And the rest is history.

[Demsrule86]

15. I would pick Shapiro...he can help deliver PA...I like Pete.

But he doesn't have the experience. When I see how my Lesbian daughter is treated, I have my doubts that Pete could win. Did you know in Ohio, Doctors could refuse to treat my girl because it violates their core beliefs? I would pick Shapiro. I like Kelly but the unions don't much. Also, we desperately need the Senate seat. We must hold the Senate or no judges. This is a must-win election. We can't take chances.

[agingdem]

33. Josh Shapiro...he's an articulate bulldog...

so what if he's Jewish...racists/misogynists/racist misogynists are not going to vote for Kamala even if her running mate is the whitest white guy with a cross tattooed on his forehead and wearing a "Jesus Love Me" t-shirt..

[usaf-vet]

16. Agreed! My reasons.Smart, thinks quick on his feet, military service, held elected office. QUICK to defend his positions

My backup choices in descending order

Josh Shapiro except supports school vouchers (a problem for me)

Andy Beshear Could start to move Kentucky to the left.

Mark Kelly has a standing when it comes to gun issues.

Tim Walz from the neighboring state 🤷

Roy Cooper 🤷🤷

[Nanjeanne]

19. The way Walz frames positions (supposedly left leaning) is brilliant. Video at Harris rally from yesterday

Link to tweet

?s=61&t=_R0eaN5XDTx3hnl2jyXBTA]

[LizBeth]

21. That is fun. I like him...

[BComplex]

48. Ok. He just moved up to my first place pick. Very charismatic, even in a t-shirt and ballcap.

Walz can help us Walz into the White House!

[LizBeth]

20. Personally I want Pete and kicks ass in all interview. Fast and smart. I like Walz and

Shapiro and you are right about MN but he is midwestern so...

[Bluesaph]

23. I've been thinking as well. I feel the best one

Is Shapiro. He can articulate the Gaza situation. He also can probably bring a much needed state as well as coattails of the rust belt states.

I think the school voucher situation can be assuaged. He needs to come out strongly for public education and higher pay for teachers and smaller class sizes.

The liberal anti-Israel crowd can also possibly be convinced by taking advantage of his great skill at framing the discussion. He will need to go on every Sunday show for these things.

I love Pete and he would be my first choice. But we need the rust belt states. Kamala doesn’t have a way to win without them.

[DeepWinter]

26. Great post

Pete's in the lead for my support. We'll see how the next week or so plays out I guess. Thanks for your thoughts!

[BComplex]

29. Buttigieg and Walz are my favorite picks. Energetic, young, well-spoken, smart.

Either one will compliment Madam President Harris.

[onandup]

32. I don't get a young vibe at all from Walz

I know he's only a year older than Kamala, but he doesn't project youth like she does.

[BComplex]

37. I think he projects a younger vibe when he talks than he looks. But he also has kind of a good attitude thing playing

well for him, and that comes across as really positive for our issues.

[moonscape]

56. David Hogg is a Walz fan

[onandup]

30. "Pro Gaza" Democrats like myself don't object to nominating a Jew

That's pretty insulting.

[quaint]

34. "Pro peace" Democrats like myself also don't object to nominating a Jew.

[quaint]

31. Before Mark Kelly became a senator, he made millions speaking and consulting, records show

link

My only concern regarding Senator Kelly would be the loss of his seat.

[BeyondGeography]

38. Nice try re. Walz

Walz helps more than any VP contender in any state where we need to get off the mute button with voters who think there is no difference between the parties.

That would be all at-risk states.

Maybe you can tell me what it is about a Midwestern governor with a rural upbringing, military experience, former high school teacher and MN state-championship football coach with a superb track record of success as governor that prevents him from being a huge help in WI, MI and PA and the redder portions of any contested state. Not to mention he is a pheasant hunter who won the congressional marksmanship trophy when he served in Congress multiple times (seems they used to have a contest) and is adored by David Hogg for his stance on gun regulation.

There is no contender more popular with younger voters and labor. There is no contender that even approaches his ability to break through on the media and frame issue after issue to our benefit. He is Buttigieg for working men and women; he expands the market where Pete generates knowing nods of agreement from people who will vote for us anyway.

No help in at-risk states? What a joke.

[Nanjeanne]

42. Well said.

He turned a red district blue and kept getting re-elected. Walz’s rural origins and appeal are another source of balance and strength. A U.S. House member for 12 years, Walz repeatedly won re-election in the kind of rural area where Dems have been getting killed in recent years.

He’s a Midwestern governor who could help nail down the “Blue Wall” states of Wisconsin, Michigan and probably Pennsylvania. And Walz was born in a tiny town of 400 people in Nebraska. Favored by labor unions, unemployment rate hit a record low and a state surplus climbed to a record high on his watch - not sure how that brings nothing to at risk states.

Plus he’s just great at messaging. Example - "Rights are not like a piece of pie. There's enough for everybody."

[BComplex]

50. I'm with you, BeyondGeography! I'm now 100% Walz. He has EVERYTHING we need.

And he's awesome at making a point. As good as Buttigieg, IMHO....which says a LOT!!

[gibraltar72]

41. Think down to McRaven and Kelly with Cooper close behind.

[Bayard]

45. As much as I'd love to see Beshear or Buttigieg in there,

Our safest choice is Shapiro, especially if he'd bring in PA.

[H2O Man]

49. Gov. Walz

would be a solid choice. He would appeal to labor/unions, is a veteran, owns at least one gun, and is rational about pot. But I'd be happy with any governor or Senator Kelly. They have the experience to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. I think that while Harris is being attacked by the cult for being an example of "identity politics," her credentials are very strong. And we need both members of the ticket to have strong credentials.

[themaguffin]

53. Pete doesn't bring a state though

[ColinC]

54. Josh Shapiros worst traits are not his religion or school voucher position

But rather the sexual harassment claim against a staff member in his office that he paid a fairly large settlement for. That could potentially bite us in the ass more than his isolated position on school vouchers and his religion (which has literally nothing to do with policy: remember Bernie is Jewish but is loved by the pro Palestinian groups)

[OnDoutside]

62. Donald Trump, sexual predator.

[ColinC]

67. Exactly. His flaws(if you even want to call them that) pale in comparison to an actual rapist

[angrychair]

55. So, I'm all over the place on this

Walz is an very articulate speaker, smart and strong Democrat with good experience but not to old and is a military veteran. He is a complete package. I admit I slept on him and shouldn't have.

Mark Kelly is a genuine American hero. An astronaut . Popular sitting US Senator. Military veteran and pilot. He brings a lot to the table and would have wide appeal. Could help deliver AZ.

Roy Cooper knows NC like the back of his hand. He managed to when two terms on a very purple state. Could help deliver NC to a Democratic Party presidential candidate for the first time since 2008. Could also help with other southern states like Virginia and Georgia. Biggest negative is he is older than the other potential candidates.

Of all of these, I'm still set on Cooper but would be happy and proud to have any of them.
Back up would be Walz and Kelly as a tie. I couldn't choose

[spanone]

57. Shapiro on school vouchers....

Shapiro did not publicly back creating a voucher program until his run for governor in 2022, according to a review of news articles and public statements he has made.

He has tempered his position — deeply unpopular among many of his Democratic colleagues — by saying he will only support such a program if it does not take money away from public education.

“I think it's very important that we fully fund public education,” Shapiro told reporters at a 2022 campaign event. “And I also think it's really important that we empower parents to put their kids in the best place for them to be able to succeed.”

https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/07/josh-shapiro-vice-president-school-choice-voucher/#:~:text=Despite%20his%20high%2Dprofile%20public,his%20two%2Ddecade%20political%20career.

[Charlie Chapulin]

58. I like Mark Kelly.

Compelling story, real American hero stuff. But, yeah, he can be a little stiff.

[flying_wahini]

60. Sorry but Not speaking for all young voters but Kelly isn't someone they look up to. He represents military to them.

(I know lots of older men here will disagree with that). Astronauts don’t have the cache they used to with this younger generation.
I think Buttegieg would be a big draw for younger voters. They really like him and being gay isn’t even a thing. I think the “problem” with Pete is he may keep away any evangelicals on the fence. Margin voters that make up Nikki Haley’s gang are going to make the difference. Those are the voters that we need. Not undecided really, but loathe to vote for TSF and think they may stay at home.

[OnDoutside]

64. Re Shapiro

1. Where does Kamala Harris stand re School Vouchers ?

Why I ask is if she's against them, then Shapiro will fall in line

2. Where to Republicans stand re School Vouchers ?

If they support School Vouchers, then where's the GOP attack line against him ?

[elocs]

65. There is a big difference between not being able to deliver a state and being the cause of losing an election.

Either would be hard to prove, but jeopardizing an election win is not worth the risk and this election is way, way to important for that. I'm sure that Harris realizes that and it will be her choice not ours.

[Emile]

66. I saw how the moderates treated Joe.

[Oopsie Daisy]

68. Naturally. 🙄