California Governor Gavin Newsom is being speculated as a potential running mate for VP Kamala Harris after President Biden suspended his re-election campaign.
Fox News reported that concerns about compliance with the 12th Amendment and Newsom’s own expressed disinterest make his candidacy uncertain. The political focus has now shifted to whether Newsom might team up with Harris for the Democratic presidential ticket.
This speculation follows President Biden's recent decision to suspend his re-election campaign, which has created a power vacuum and set off numerous discussions about potential Vice President candidates.
Rumors of Newsom running a "shadow campaign" have circulated since his high-profile debate with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last year.
Despite this, Newsom has consistently denied these claims, maintaining that he is not seeking a presidential bid.
Concerns about Biden's mental acuity and age grew significantly after his poor debate performance against former President Trump in June. This shift in public perception has hastened conversations about the future leadership of the Democratic Party.
As VP Harris secured enough delegate support to become the Democratic Party's nominee, the possibility of Newsom as her running mate has been analyzed in the context of the 12th Amendment.
Ratified in 1804, the 12th Amendment requires separate ballots for the election of the president and vice president.
The anticipated issue is the residency restriction placed by the 12th Amendment. It indicates that if both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates are from the same state, electors from that state cannot vote for both offices.
This was historically significant during the first contested election involving Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.
A noteworthy precedent was set during the 2000 presidential election when George W. Bush and Dick Cheney managed to comply with the 12th Amendment's stipulations by changing Cheney’s residency from Texas to Wyoming.
Harris expects to finalize her choice for a running mate within the next two weeks, ahead of the Democratic National Convention slated to be held in Chicago.
The convention is seen as a crucial moment for the party to unify and strategize against the impending election challenges.
Further fueling the speculation, Newsom has publicly endorsed Harris, stating, "No one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President, @KamalaHarris."
This endorsement is seen as both a strategic and supportive move within the party.
However, a close adviser to Newsom has reaffirmed his intentions, stating, "From his perspective, he has the best job in the world. He looks forward to supporting VP Harris and whomever she picks as her running–mate."
In response to the ongoing speculation, Harris' campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz remarked, "Any reporting on developments or updates in Vice President Harris’ running mate search is premature and speculative."
He added that Harris is "considering a large pool of qualified candidates" and will ultimately choose a partner who aligns with her goals for the country.
Among the potential VP candidates being considered are Sen. Mark Kelly, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Gov. Roy Cooper, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Gov. Andy Beshear, and Gov. Tim Walz. These names reflect the diverse pool of leadership that Harris has to select from.
Despite being a high-profile figure within the Democratic Party, Newsom’s position on the matter appears clear.
His adviser’s statement emphasized his contentment with his current role and his intent to support Harris and her eventual running mate.
Newsom’s strong endorsement of Harris solidifies their political alliance. His statement portraying her as the best candidate to challenge former President Trump highlights the significance of this upcoming election and the strategic choices the Democratic Party must make.
With the Democratic National Convention on the horizon, the anticipation surrounding Harris’s choice for a running mate continues to grow. The chessboard of American politics is being carefully navigated, given the potential challenges and the historical context of the 12th Amendment.
In summary, Governor Gavin Newsom's potential as VP Kamala Harris's running mate has captured political attention due to President Biden’s campaign suspension.
However, 12th Amendment hurdles and his own expressed contentment with his current role cast doubt on such speculations. Historical precedents and Harris's ongoing deliberations will play a crucial role in shaping the Democratic ticket for the upcoming elections.
The final decision is expected before the Democratic National Convention, with Harris considering a diverse range of qualified candidates. The political landscape remains dynamic as the Democratic Party prepares to confront the electoral challenges ahead.
