Top Picks for Hillary Clinton's Vice President
Senator from Massachusetts
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about Warren as VP. She would energize Sanders supporters and help unite the party. Two women on the same ticket would be truly historic and could bring some excitement to the Clinton campaign that it currently lacks. Warren has already proven that she can get under Trump’s skin. But can Clinton work with her?
Senator from Virginia
Tim Kaine is one of the more experienced choices for Clinton. Before being a senator, Kaine was governor of Virginia and head of the DNC. He is fluent in Spanish and has a long history of public service. However, he may not excite disenfranchised Sanders supporters.
Senator from Ohio
Brown is a progressive with a long legislative record that could help with disenfranchised Sanders supporters. He also comes from the all-important swing state of Ohio. But the governor of Ohio is a republican (John Kasich) and would choose Brown’s replacement if he becomes vice president.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Castro, a young and telegenic Mexican-American politician, could help Clinton with Hispanic voters. However, he doesn’t have a lot of experience. But in an election year where the presumptive GOP nominee has never held public office, that might not matter much.
Senator from New Jersey
Booker is popular among millennials and could help Clinton with the African-American vote. But Booker has been in the senate for just a few years and he comes from a state with a Republican governor (Chris Christie) who will choose his replacement if Booker becomes vice president.
Secretary of Labor
Perez is a champion of worker rights and could help Clinton with Hispanic turnout in November. But he may not have a large enough profile, and having never held elected office it’s not clear how he would fare in a national campaign.
Congressman from California
Becerra is a 20-year veteran of the House and could help with Hispanic turnout.
US Representative from Ohio
Ryan is a 14-year veteran of the House and comes for a crucial swing state. He could help Clinton with white Rust Belt voters who might be leaning toward Donald Trump.
Mayor of Los Angeles
Garcetti is a popular mayor who runs the second largest city in the U.S. He has Mexican-American heritage and could help drive Hispanic voter turnout. Garcetti is also Jewish, which would also be an historic first if the Democrats were to win. But Garcetti is not nationally known and mayors have not been popular VP picks in the past.
Jon Endow
Senator from Minnesota
Klobuchar is an experienced senator who might be a better option on an all-female ticket than Warren. Unlike Warren, Klobuchar comes from a state with a Democratic governor, so her Senate seat would be safe.
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
With national security a primary issue this year, picking a retired admiral might ease the minds of some voters. Mullen served under both Republican and Democratic presidents, and most recently under Obama had the top job in the military as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Former Governor of Massachusetts
The former two-term governor would bring experience to the ticket and could help with African-American turnout. But his ties to the private sector may hurt Clinton in an election year in which a populist message seems essential.
Senator from Vermont
Clinton could unite the party by picking her primary rival as her running mate. He is popular with millennials and may drive larger Democratic turnout. But was the primary too contentious for Clinton and Sanders to have a productive working relationship?
Senator from Minnesota
A former comedian turned senator, Franken might be Clinton’s best choice for an aggressive (and entertaining) attack dog. Trump has been a gift to comedians, so why not pick an actual comedian to go after Trump.
Governor of Colorado
Hickenlooper is a popular, experienced governor who comes from a crucial swing state.
Former Governor of Maryland
O’Malley would be a safe choice. He has executive experience and is reliably liberal, which could help unite the party. O’Malley also has presidential campaign experience, having run earlier in the election cycle. However, he didn’t gain much support, which could work against him.
Senator from Virginia
Warner is an experienced politician who has been both a governor and now currently a senator. He could help secure Virginia for Clinton, but he would not excite the liberal Democratic base. He is also the wealthiest member of the Senate, which may not sit well with Sanders supporters.