Kamala Harris’s potential VP choices have been trying out for the job

Vice President Kamala Harris, the favorite for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, is on the verge of selecting a vice presidential candidate to join her on the ticket. Many of Harris’s potential running mates have been actively engaging in television interviews, facing off with reporters, and hitting the campaign trail. They are effectively auditioning for the role by taking shots at Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, who would be their adversary in the upcoming race.

Let’s take a closer look at what some of Harris’s potential picks have been saying lately.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

During a recent appearance on MSNBC, Beshear criticized Vance’s biography as outlined in his best-selling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” Despite Vance’s ties to Middletown, Ohio, he claimed a connection to eastern Kentucky, which did not sit well with Beshear. In a separate interview on CNN, Beshear expressed his displeasure, stating, “He claims to be from eastern Kentucky, tries to write a book about it to profit off our people, and then he calls us lazy.” Beshear further emphasized his stance at a rally for Harris in Atlanta, bluntly stating, “JD Vance ain’t from Kentucky. He ain’t from Appalachia. And he ain’t gonna be the vice president of the United States.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

Walz, like Beshear, has taken aim at Vance’s background as depicted in “Hillbilly Elegy,” while poking fun at his Yale law school degree. Referring to Vance on MSNBC, Walz remarked, “People like JD Vance know nothing about small-town America. None of my hillbilly cousins went to Yale.” Walz also echoed one of the Harris campaign’s talking points, calling the opposition “weird people on the other side.”

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly

Kelly didn’t hold back in questioning Vance’s suitability for office when discussing the Ohio senator’s derogatory remarks about Democrats. Kelly dubbed Vance’s comments as “utterly ridiculous and obnoxious,” expressing concerns about Vance potentially being one heartbeat away from the presidency. Taking to social media, Kelly invoked his wife, former Sen. Gabby Giffords, highlighting her sacrifices and extraordinary role as a stepmother to their daughters.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Buttigieg opted to direct his focus towards Donald Trump’s presidential record rather than Vance. In a Fox News Sunday appearance, Buttigieg criticized Trump for failing to fulfill promises, including the passage of an infrastructure bill. He questioned Trump’s credibility, emphasizing his tendency to lie consistently. Buttigieg also dismissed Trump’s disavowal of a national abortion ban, citing Trump’s history of disingenuous statements.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

While Whitmer denied being vetted as a vice presidential candidate by the Harris campaign, she made it clear that Harris doesn’t need to pick a white man as her VP to secure victory. Whitmer rebuffed the notion during an interview on CBS, asserting, “We’ve proved that wrong in the swingiest of swing states.” She showcased the success of women leaders in Michigan, challenging stereotypes and advocating for diverse representation on the ticket.

This political drama is unfolding as potential vice presidential candidates align themselves with Harris’s agenda and take aim at their prospective opponent, Sen. JD Vance. The dynamics and rhetoric among these figures offer a glimpse into the strategies and messaging that could shape the upcoming presidential race in 2024. Stay tuned for more updates as the selection process unfolds.