Political insiders already have a good idea of who's on presidential candidate Joe Biden's short list for vice president—the same role that he took on during President Barack Obama's two terms. Biden is expected to announce his pick by August and has committed to selecting a woman, so intense curiosity has mounted all across the Democratic party about which candidates have made the cut so far. Pundits are making lists about which candidates stand the best chance of selection (former presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris is often on it) and, as you'll see, there are some pretty strong and divisive thoughts on the matter. If Biden's elected, this would be the first woman vice president—so it's no wonder that there's so much interest. Here's what we know so far, and we should have more information soon.
Biden's VP list has narrowed—but is ever-evolving.
Biden brought up several names as he was developing his campaign, including Senator Amy Klobuchar—who on Friday said that she would withdraw from the running to make room for a woman of color to be Biden's vice presidential pick—Harris, former deputy attorney general Sally Q. Yates, former Georgia House minority leader Stacey Abrams, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. A number of his supporters have called for him to select a Black woman, and it looks as though he's heeding that advice.
Quoting the Washington Post here:
Among the candidates who have progressed to the point of more comprehensive vetting or have the potential to do so are Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.), former national security adviser Susan E. Rice and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, all of whom are black. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who is white, is also in that group, as is New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is Latina.
The short list may include other names, and the thinking is that Biden is most likely to select whomever he thinks can help him win the general election (and who can work closely with him, hence the "simpatico" note).
Several activists urged Biden to select Elizabeth Warren.
Just this week, 100 activists and celebrities including Jane Fonda wrote a letter to the former Vice President asking that he select Warren. In the letter, the writers said Warren "has proven herself most prepared to be President if the occasion arises and deeply expert on the overlapping emergencies now plaguing America—COVID-19, Economic Insecurity, Racial Injustice and Climate Change." The letter added, "Senator Warren's vision, competence and national experience have enabled her to get big things done."
The letter also argued that Warren is the key to winning over more liberal voters that supported Sanders, although it's worth noting that Warren angered some of his voters when she didn't endorse him. Biden's said he's open to considering Warren but has also underlined the important role she plays in the Senate.
Senator @EWarren is the fiercest of fighters for middle class families. Her work in Washington, in Massachusetts, and on the campaign trail has made a real difference in people's lives. We needed her voice in this race, and we need her continued work in the Senate.March 5, 2020
Also, they've differed pretty significantly on some issues, which may mean that they're less "simpatico" than other candidates he might select.
We'll keep this post updated as we learn more, but we don't have long to go before we'll know officially.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
-
Jennifer Lopez's Bike Ride Outfits Keep Rolling OnThis time, she's in an off-the-shoulder set and fisherman sandals.
-
'Love Island USA' Stars Nicole Jacky and Kendall Washington Already Have Big Plans for Life Outside of the VillaThe season 6 finalists are looking past the finale and toward a future together.
-
Jennifer Lopez Replaces Her Gym Birkin With a Gym BlanketTechnically, it's a sweater.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to MenIt's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If ReelectedKathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So CriticalAs we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun SafetyThe Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to KnowThe case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
