00:00US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is stepping down from his 2024 re-election
00:08bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic candidate.
00:16This pivotal decision now leaves Harris with a crucial task, selecting her running mate.
00:23Here's a look at some of the top contenders who might join her on the ticket.
00:29First on the list is Andy Bashir, the Democratic Governor of Kentucky.
00:34Bashir has made a name for himself in a state that overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in 2020.
00:41Known for his focus on job creation, public education and expanding healthcare,
00:47Bashir has also been a strong advocate for progressive issues like abortion rights
00:52and gender-affirming care. Despite facing opposition from a Republican-dominated
00:57legislature, his leadership has earned him significant praise within the party.
01:05Next, we have Pete Buttigieg, the US Secretary of Transportation.
01:10Pete, who gained national attention during the 2020 primaries with a notable victory
01:16in the Iowa cacuses, has since been a steadfast ally of the Biden administration.
01:22As a former mayor of South Bend, Indiana and a polished advocate for Biden's policies,
01:29Buttigieg has also valuable connections in critical battleground states like Michigan.
01:35His appeal extends across the Democratic base,
01:37making him a strong candidate for the vice presidential slot.
01:42Next, we have Roy Cooper, the Governor of North Carolina.
01:49Cooper has gained recognition for his emphasis on economic development
01:53and his ability to navigate a politically competitive state.
01:57North Carolina's complex political landscape,
02:00which has leaned Republican in recent presidential elections,
02:04has not hindered Cooper's approval ratings. His track record of managing a divided state
02:09could prove beneficial for a national campaign.
02:15Mark Kelly, the US Senator from Arizona, is also in the mix.
02:19Kelly's moderate stance and his background as a former Navy captain and astronaut
02:25make him a compelling choice. His position on the gun violence,
02:29alongside his personal connection to the issue through his wife,
02:33Gabriella Giffords, who survived a shooting in 2011, resonates with Democratic voters.
02:40Arizona's significance as a battleground state further bolsters Kelly's candidacy.
02:49Josh Shapiro, the newly elected Governor of Pennsylvania,
02:53has quickly emerged as a rising star in the Democratic Party.
02:56With a background as a lawyer and a history of winning tough races against Republicans,
03:03Shapiro is seen as a strong candidate to help secure Pennsylvania, a key state for Democrats.
03:09His legal expertise and electoral success make him a noteworthy option for Harris.
03:18Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is another potential pick. Known for his significant
03:24financial contributions to the democratic cause and his influence role in organizing
03:29the Democratic National Convention, Pritzker's impact on the party cannot be overlooked.
03:35While Illinois itself is a solidly democratic state, Pritzker's resources
03:41and strategic acumen could prove advantageous to the broader electoral landscape.
03:49Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan, has built a strong reputation in the state
03:56with a focus on practical everyday issues. Her previous wedding as a potential running
04:02mate for Biden in 2020 highlights her prominence within the party.
04:07An all-woman ticket with Harris could be historic, particularly
04:11as women's reproductive rights take center stage in the election.
04:16As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to make her decision, the stakes are high.
04:21The choices of running mate could significantly impact the 2024 presidential race.
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