Howard Dean, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, proposed a hypothetical Harris-Cooper ticket if President Joe Biden decides not to run for reelection in 2024. Dean believes this ticket would help Democrats win North Carolina and cater to key voting demographics.
The Washington Examiner reported that Dean suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris should lead the Democratic ticket with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper as her running mate if Biden opts out of the 2024 elections. He made this suggestion during an interview with CNN's Abby Phillip on Thursday.
Dean, who served as DNC chairman from 2005 to 2009, believes that a Harris-Cooper ticket would bolster Democratic chances in North Carolina.
"If the president decides not to run … I would favor a Harris-Cooper ticket, and I think we would pick up North Carolina as a result," Dean stated.
Dean's support for Harris came after discussions about some Democrats preferring an open convention process over immediately replacing Harris. He emphasized the significance of Harris's identity in appealing to critical voter demographics for the Democratic Party.
Dean highlighted that Harris is both black and a woman, which he believes are essential groups for the Democrats to win. "She happens to be black and she happens to be a woman," Dean noted. "Who are the two most important groups in the coalition the Democrats need to win? They are women and they are people of color."
Dean criticized the idea of pushing for an open convention or removing Harris from the top of the ticket. He described such proposals as absurd, arguing that it would be detrimental to the party's unity.
There is growing consideration among Democrats about alternatives to Biden due to concerns about his age. At 81, Biden's ability to mount a successful reelection campaign has been a topic of debate within the party.
During the interview, Abby Phillip pointed out that removing a black woman from a leadership position would likely cause significant unrest within the Democratic Party. "We’re going to kick out a black woman from the perceived No. 1 slot; she’s in the No. 2 slot?" Phillip rhetorically asked. "I don’t think so. That would really roil the party."
Roy Cooper, the current governor of North Carolina, is term-limited and will be replaced at the end of this year. Cooper's potential role as a vice-presidential candidate is seen as a strategic move to secure North Carolina's electoral votes for the Democrats.
Democrats have not won North Carolina in the Electoral College since 2008, and a Harris-Cooper ticket is viewed as a potential way to break that streak. Dean's proposal reflects the party's desire to appeal to a broader range of voters and increase their chances of success in the upcoming election.
Dean's endorsement of Harris underscores her importance within the Democratic Party. Despite some calls for an open convention, Dean believes Harris should remain a central figure in the party's plans for the 2024 election.
The debate over the Democratic ticket highlights the party's internal dynamics and the challenges of balancing different factions. Dean's proposal for a Harris-Cooper ticket aims to unify the party while appealing to key voter groups.
Howard Dean's suggestion of a Harris-Cooper ticket if President Joe Biden decides not to run for reelection in 2024 highlights the strategic considerations within the Democratic Party.
By proposing Harris and Cooper, Dean emphasizes the importance of key demographics and aims to strengthen the party's chances in North Carolina.
His comments reflect broader concerns about Biden's age and the need for unity within the Democratic Party as they prepare for the upcoming election.
