Who Will Be Kamala Harris' VP Pick? Democrats Should Consider Sen. Mark Kelly

 Sen. Mark Kelly has the ideal qualifications to be vice president, and it's not just because he's from Arizona.

President Biden recently surprised the nation by announcing he will not seek reelection, quickly endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. This decision opened a lane for Kelly and others as potential running mates for Harris.

Kelly expressed his gratitude towards Biden, calling him “one of the most consequential presidents in history.”

“He led us out of the pandemic, took historic steps to bring back microchip and clean energy manufacturing, and rebuild our infrastructure, and he has strengthened our alliances and made our country safer,’’ Kelly wrote on X. Kelly also voiced his support for Harris, stating she is “the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future.”

“Gabby and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States,” Kelly said.

Mark Kelly: A Strategic Choice for Harris

Kelly is prepared to undertake the hard work necessary to help Harris secure the presidency, including potentially becoming her vice president. Harris would be wise to choose Kelly, a serious senator committed to advancing the Democratic agenda. He can significantly boost her chances of winning Arizona, a pivotal swing state that Biden narrowly won by fewer than 11,000 votes.

Democrats Unite Behind Harris

The Democratic Party faces a critical decision amid the chaos and uncertainty surrounding Biden's future after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump. Democratic leaders are rallying behind Harris, recognizing her as the next in line rather than wasting time on another candidate. Harris, who is half Black and half South Asian from progressive California, would benefit from a moderate vice president from a swing state like Arizona, appealing to independents, women, white, and rural voters.

Kelly's Impressive Background

Kelly, 60, fits this profile perfectly. He has a remarkable background as a NASA astronaut and a poignant personal story. He flew his first shuttle mission in 2001 and his last one in 2011, shortly after his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, was tragically shot at a constituents event in Tucson. Giffords survived, but six others were killed, and 12 were wounded. Since then, Kelly has been an advocate for gun violence legislation while supporting the Second Amendment.

A Dedicated and Effective Senator

Kelly entered politics out of necessity rather than ambition, defeating Republican Martha McSally in the 2020 race. He has proven himself as a dedicated, no-drama senator focusing on policy. He supports eliminating the legislative filibuster to pass a voting-rights bill and advocates for bipartisan border security legislation. Kelly is also a strong proponent of U.S. investment in semiconductor production, instrumental in the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, which allocates billions in taxpayer subsidies for domestic production.

Conclusion

Sen. Mark Kelly's background and political stance make him a compelling choice for Kamala Harris' vice president. His moderate views and ability to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters could be crucial in the upcoming election.