North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper Withdraws from VP Consideration

Well, well, well, dear patriotic readers, it seems our own Governor Roy Cooper has decided to sit this one out. In a move that’s got politicos buzzing faster than a beehive in springtime, Cooper has withdrawn from consideration as Vice President Kamala Harris’ potential running mate. Is it a shrewd political calculation or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive into this political potpourri and see what’s really cooking in the corridors of power.

The Withdrawal: Cooper’s Decision and Its Implications

Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat who’s managed to win in a state that’s gone red for presidential elections, has opted out of the vice-presidential vetting process. Cooper cited timing concerns for both North Carolina and himself as reasons for not joining the national ticket. This decision came on July 21, well ahead of Harris’ expected announcement by August 7.

Cooper’s withdrawal leaves approximately a dozen individuals still in the running for the role. Among them are Senator Mark Kelly, Governors Josh Shapiro, Tim Walz, and Andy Beshear, as well as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has also publicly stated she’s not interested in joining the ticket.

The Cooper-Harris Connection: A History of Shared Roles

Cooper and Harris share a professional history that dates back to their time as state attorneys general. This connection has likely influenced their political decisions and relationships over the years. Cooper served as North Carolina’s Attorney General for 16 years before becoming governor, while Harris was California’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2017.

This shared background in law enforcement and state-level governance provides a unique perspective on their potential partnership. However, Cooper’s decision to withdraw suggests that other factors weighed more heavily in his consideration.

The Political Chess Game: Cooper’s Future and Harris’ Strategy

Cooper’s withdrawal isn’t just about saying “no” to a national ticket. It’s a move that could shape his political future. There’s talk of Cooper as a potential candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026, indicating that his political aspirations may lie closer to home.

This quote highlights one of the potential complications Cooper might have faced if he had joined the national ticket. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a conservative Republican, could have challenged Cooper’s authority if he were frequently out of state.

As for Harris, she’s tasked former Attorney General Eric Holder to lead the vetting process with a team of lawyers. This thorough approach underscores the importance of the vice-presidential pick in what promises to be a hotly contested election.