Stacey Abrams Is Waging A Public Campaign For VP — Will It Pay Off?

TOPLINE

Stacey Abrams is not shying away from her desire to be Joe Biden’s running mate, a clear contrast to the other candidates on Biden’s short list for the vice president sweepstakes who have been coy when asked about the possibility.

KEY FACTS

Key background

Even if Biden chooses a woman of color, Abrams is reportedly not the consensus pick: While civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton is set to endorse Abrams this week, Rep. Jim Clyburn, one of the most powerful African American leaders in Congress, has said privately he believes Abrams has too little experience. 

Another candidate on Biden’s short list is Harris, a woman of color with more experience than Abrams, a quality the former vice president reportedly admires. 

Tangent

Since losing to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in 2018, Abrams has focused on combating voter suppression, and chose to not run for president in 2020. 

Crucial quote

“I would be an excellent running mate,” Abrams said in an interview with Elle on April 15. “I have the capacity to attract voters by motivating typically ignored communities.” 

What we don’t know

Which running mate would help Biden win the election. Polling shows African American turnout fell in 2016 with Hillary Clinton atop the ticket and may have helped hand the election to President Trump. In 2020, Biden rode strong support from African Americans to a resounding victory in the primary and analysts say these voters are poised to play a major role in the 2020 general election as well. 

In polling, Abrams has been one of the top choices among black voters to be Biden’s VP. Still, data shows Warren or Klobuchar could be the better choice for picking up voters in states key to winning the Electoral College, such as Michigan and Wisconsin. 

On Wednesday, Biden said he will announce a committee on May 1 that will help him choose his running mate.

Surprising fact

In interviews, Biden campaign officials tell Forbes that Harris or Warren are the top contenders. Both attacked Biden at several points during the campaign: Harris criticized Biden for his record on race and busing and Warren went after Biden for saying he would work with Republicans. Both have endorsed Biden for president. 

Big number

Biden earned the vote of two-thirds of African American voters in South Carolina, a state pivotal to winning the Democratic nomination. 

Further reading 

Why Stacey Abrams is making her case for VP — everywhere (CNN) 

Black Leaders Want a Black Woman as Biden’s Running Mate. But Who? (New York Times)

The Dark Horse Candidates For Biden’s VP Choice (Forbes)

Here’s What The Polls Say About Biden’s Election Chances Against Trump (Forbes)

Stacey Abrams’s Remarkable Campaign for Vice President (The Atlantic)