Democrats Favor Kamala Harris For VP By Wide Margin, Poll Finds

TOPLINE

A new poll found that a plurality of Democrats would like to see former Vice President Joe Biden pick Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) as his running mate, while a majority named a woman of color as their preferred VP amid nationwide protests against racism and police brutality.

KEY FACTS

Key Background

Biden has committed to picking a woman for his running mate, and Harris and Warren are typically seen as the favorites. Other candidates Biden is reportedly considering are Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), who is Asian-American and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is Hispanic, as well as Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo.

News Peg

The new poll comes as anti-racist protests across the country have resulted in enormous change, from the removal of confederate monuments to sweeping police reform in dozens of states and localities. Internally, there is a strong push for Biden to pick a black running mate like Harris as an olive branch to the black voters that make up the core of the Democratic party and propelled him to the nomination. One member of Biden’s VP selection committee is Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a black woman, who reportedly holds much influence in Biden’s decision.

Big Number

33%. Among Biden’s base, the desire for Harris is even more stark. 33% of Biden’s primary voters said they prefer Harris. Among Sanders voters, arguably the Democratic constituency Biden most needs to win over, Warren is favored by 22% while Harris is at 18%.