Cooper Bows Out of VP Race, Prioritizes North Carolina’s Crucial Moment

Well, well, well… looks like the Democrats’ VP chess game just lost a potentially key piece. Our good friend Governor Roy Cooper has decided to bow out of the running for Vice President Kamala Harris’ sidekick. While some might see this as a missed opportunity to bring some Southern charm to the ticket, others might applaud Cooper for keeping his priorities straight. Let’s dive into this political plot twist and see what it means for North Carolina and the national stage.

The Reasons Behind Cooper’s Withdrawal

Governor Roy Cooper cited timing concerns for North Carolina and himself as the primary reasons for withdrawing from consideration as Vice President Kamala Harris’ potential running mate. Cooper, who was one of approximately a dozen individuals being vetted for the role, proactively signaled his withdrawal on July 21.

The governor’s decision appears to be rooted in a strategic assessment of North Carolina’s political landscape. Concerns were raised about Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a conservative Republican candidate, potentially challenging Cooper’s authority if he were out of state. This consideration likely played a significant role in Cooper’s decision to prioritize his current gubernatorial responsibilities over national ambitions.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper withdraws from race to be Vice Pres. Kamala Harris' vice presidential running mate.https://t.co/m5pEm65ZmH

— ABC News (@ABC) July 30, 2024

Impact on North Carolina and Cooper’s Current Term

Cooper’s withdrawal underscores the importance of timing in political decision-making, particularly for a state like North Carolina. As a swing state that has seen close races in recent elections, Cooper’s presence and leadership are crucial for maintaining Democratic influence in the state.

“For over a year now, House Bill 2 has been a dark cloud over our great state. It has stained our reputation. It has discriminated against our people. And it has caused great economic harm to many of our communities.”

This quote from Cooper highlights the challenges he has faced during his tenure and emphasizes the ongoing need for his leadership in the state. By choosing to complete his term as governor, Cooper is prioritizing the immediate needs of North Carolina over potential national ambitions.

The Bigger Picture: VP Selection Process and 2024 Election

While Cooper has removed himself from consideration, the search for Harris’ running mate continues. Other potential candidates include Sen. Mark Kelly, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Gov. Tim Walz, Gov. Andy Beshear, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Notably, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also publicly stated she is not interested in joining the ticket.

Harris is expected to announce her vice-presidential nomination by August 7, ahead of the Democratic National Convention starting on August 19 in Chicago. The selection process is being led by former Attorney General Eric Holder with a team of lawyers.

Cooper’s decision not to pursue the VP role doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his national political aspirations. There are already discussions about Cooper as a potential candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026, indicating that his political career may still have a national trajectory, albeit on a different timeline.

Sources:

“I would love to have Mark Robinson as acting Governor of North Carolina while Roy Cooper is out traveling the country in…”

https://www.foxnews.com/us/north-carolina-gov-roy-cooper-among-kamala-harris-possible-vp-picks-look-his-16-years-ag

“For over a year now, House Bill 2 has been a dark cloud over our great state. It has stained our reputation. It has discriminated against our people. And it has caused great economic harm to many of our communities.”

https://www.foxnews.com/us/north-carolina-gov-roy-cooper-among-kamala-harris-possible-vp-picks-look-his-16-years-ag