Harris' Running-Mate Search: Cooper, Whitmer Drop Out

Facts

US Vice Pres. Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic 2024 presidential nominee, on Monday had her list of potential running mates reduced by two when North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper withdrew his name and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was 'not part of the vetting' process.^[1]
In a post on X, Cooper said he 'strongly' supports Harris' campaign and was 'honored' to be considered by the vice president, but added this 'just wasn't the right time' for North Carolina and for him to be on a national ticket.^[2]
Although Cooper revealed no further reasons for his withdrawal, The New York Times reported he was concerned that if he was out of state while campaigning, his authority could be usurped by Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a conservative Republican.^[3]
In an interview with CBS Mornings, Whitmer, a co-chair of Harris' campaign, said she's 'going to stay as governor' until the end of 2026, when her term ends.^[4]
Meanwhile, a new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll showed Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (15%), Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (14%), and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (11%) leading the pack of candidates Democrats would prefer to become Harris' running mate.^[5]

Democratic narrative, as provided by Washington Post. Even after a couple of withdrawals, Harris' list of potential running mates is overflowing with talent. Harris almost can't go wrong with any of them. Equally important is that all the candidates have pledged to do all they can to help the vice president defeat former president Trump.
Republican narrative, as provided by Daily Mail. It's no surprise that strong candidates are removing themselves from consideration. Harris is cynically focusing on white men from swing states to balance the ticket rather than looking for the best-qualified candidate. As voters get to know her record better, this will hurt her chances of electoral success.