The women Joe Biden might pick as vice president
Joe Biden’s choice of running mate is shaping as one of the most crucial steps in the US presidential race. See the list of all-female contenders.
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Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s pick for the woman who will join his ticket as vice president is set to be announced within days.
What has in the past been a formality is firming into one of the more crucial questions at this point of the 2020 US Presidential race.
Will Biden choose a deputy cast in his likeness, a loyal Adviser and friend who complemented Barack Obama?
Can the oldest ever potential president risk an untested figure as their surrogate, rather than someone who would be able to step into the White House from day one?
And will the final choice be drawn from the party’s surging progressive wing, handing the Trump campaign a powerful cudgel to paint Biden as a far left puppet who will put at risk America’s economic recovery?
The Democrat vice presidential committee, comprised of Senator Chris Dodd, Lisa Blunt Rochester from Biden’s home state of Delaware, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and former Biden Adviser Cynthia Hogan, has been vetting the candidates for several months.
Biden has promised to choose a woman and said the decision would be announced at the start of August, after he has a chance to sit down with each of those who make the final list.
“When I get all the vetting done of all the candidates then I’m going to narrow the list,” Biden, 77, said last week.
“And then I’m going to have personal discussions with each of the candidates who are left.”
Here are the contenders, from favourites to longshots:
KAMALA HARRIS, 55
When the California senator stepped out of the presidential race last year she was immediately tipped to be working towards securing the vice presidential nomination.
Pros
A former prosecutor whose strident questioning in Senate hearings has made her one of America’s most recognisable women of colour, she is considered a favourite on the back of her national profile and moderate agenda.
Cons
Public stumbles in her own campaign, including a damaging debate attack on Biden’s race record, may haunt her. Harris critics also question her police reform credentials on the back of her record as an aggressive prosecutor. Her moderate politics may not energise young, progressive voters.
ELIZABETH WARREN, 71
Biden’s second last rival in the presidential race before bowing out in March, the longtime senator from Massachusetts is the surest bet to bring out disaffected progressive voters who would have supported Bernie Sanders.
Pros
A close Biden Adviser, Harvard professor Warren has devoted her career to fighting wealth disparity and has the experience to shepherd in structural changes to the economic system.
Cons
American voters looking to get back to work could well be spooked by the idea of an economic revolution and a Warren pick would hand the Trump campaign ammunition in their fight to paint Biden as a far-left puppet. As an older, white woman, Warren doesn’t bring the progressive lustre of a minority pick.
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TAMMY DUCKWORTH, 52
A longtime Illinois senator and army veteran, Duckworth lost both legs after the helicopter she was flying was shot down in Iraq.
A Purple Heart recipient, her personal story of heroism hasn’t stopped focused attacks from Team Trump after she voiced support for Black Live Matters protesters.
Pros
Duckworth has long been a voice for veteran’s and women’s rights, having made history when she brought her newborn daughter on to the Senate floor. She would also be the first female veteran ever on a presidential ticket.
Cons
Lacking a national profile, Duckworth is considered more untested than other frontrunners. Claims by prominent conservatives that she and other Democrat leaders who advocated the removal of confederate statues “hate” Americans could also stick.
SUSAN RICE, 55
Former Obama administration national security Adviser Rice is a relatively recent addition to the VP shortlist and is being seriously considered by Biden.
With extensive experience in foreign and domestic affairs, she was instrumental in some of Obama’s signature achievements, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord, which have both been walked back by the Trump administration.
Pros
Rice has earned Biden’s trust having worked closely with him when he was vice president, and has recently argued for the George Floyd protests to be galvanised into real change.
Cons
A career diplomat and official, Rice has never run as a political candidate.
VAL DEMINGS, 63
A former Florida police chief with 27 years as a cop, Demings is one of five black women on the Biden shortlist and was prominent in the impeachment trial of Donald Trump.
Pros
Florida is a key swing state after Trump won in 2016 and a VP pick is a proven path to picking up votes.
Cons
Demings has only been in national politics since 2017 and is seen as relatively untested.
KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS, 50
The mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, Bottoms has risen to recent national attention with her handling of the coronavirus – from which she and her family have recovered – and race riots, following the death of George Floyd.
Pros
A longtime Biden supporter and confidante who regularly campaigns for him, she is also a black woman and could be seen as a safe bet to capture the minority vote.
Cons
Bottoms is untested nationally and as a first-term mayor does not have extensive leadership experience.
KAREN BASS, 66
The chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Bass has argued effectively for police reform and has recently emerged as one of Donald Trump’s most strident critics.
Pros
With decades of California state and national service behind her, the lifelong politician is one of the most experienced legislators under consideration.
Cons
Bass is almost unknown nationally and as a late entry to the VP race may not be seen to have enough time before the election to break through.
GRETCHEN WHITMER, 48
One of the youngest women on Biden’s shortlist, Michigan’s governor has already proven she can get under the skin of President Donald Trump, who described her as “that woman”.
Pros
As governor of what could be one of the most crucial swing states, she could fit the traditional veep pick idea of bringing along her state. A longtime Biden associate, she also offers midwest appeal.
Cons
A lack of national experience and the fact that she is a white woman at a time when her party is looking for diversity could work against Whitmer.
LONGSHOTS
MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM, 60
The New Mexico governor is the only Latina candidate under consideration and has fought to boost the minimum wage.
STACEY ABRAMS, 46
Abrams has been spruiked as a future leader since almost winning the governorship of Georgia and has publicly said she wants the job.
TAMMY BALDWIN, 58
The first openly gay person to become a Senator, Baldwin could be seen as key to bringing along her home state of Wisconsin.
