Quick Hit:

Several top Democrats are distancing themselves from Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, publicly refusing consideration to be the vice president's running mate. Governors Gretchen Whitmer, Wes Moore, and Roy Cooper have all indicated their lack of interest, suggesting widespread concern among Democrats about Harris's electability in the 2024 presidential election.

Key Details:

• North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Monday he will not be Harris's running mate, stating it "wasn't the right time" for him.

• Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also confirmed Monday that she has not been vetted by Harris's office and intends to complete her term as governor, saying, "I'm going to stay as governor until the end of my term."

• Additionally, Maryland Governor Wes Moore stated he has "no intention" of leaving his current role amid speculation about a vice-presidential bid. Moore said, "I want to stay as the Governor of Maryland."

• West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin also rejected the idea of serving as Harris's running mate, emphasizing the need for a "new generation" of leadership. Manchin, who recently switched to an independent, stated, "No, I’m not [considering the VP spot]."

Diving Deeper:

The reluctance of these top Democrats to join Harris's campaign underscores significant concerns within the party about her electability. Polling data reveals that Harris is trailing former President Donald Trump in crucial swing states. According to recent polls by Emerson College, Harris is behind Trump in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, and is tied in Wisconsin. Her unfavorability ratings also exceed her favorability in these key states, painting a challenging picture for her campaign​.

Governor Roy Cooper's decision to withdraw, despite being seen as a strong contender in a crucial swing state, highlights the uncertainties surrounding Harris's candidacy. Similarly, Governor Gretchen Whitmer's decision to remain in Michigan and Governor Wes Moore's focus on Maryland further indicate a strategic retreat by these prominent Democrats. Their decisions to stay out of the vice-presidential race might be driven by a desire to avoid the potential fallout from a contentious and uncertain presidential bid. Whitmer and Moore both emphasized their commitment to their current roles, suggesting they believe their political futures are better secured outside of Harris's campaign.

Adding to the mix, Alex Pfeiffer, Communications Director of Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc., commented Tuesday that, "Kamala Harris has failed at stopping criminals from crossing the border, but has succeeded in repelling Democrats from seeking the vice presidency."

This widespread hesitation among Democrats to align with Harris speaks volumes about the perceived viability of her campaign. As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the party faces a crucial decision point. The reluctance of Whitmer, Moore, Cooper, and Manchin may signal a broader lack of confidence within the Democratic establishment regarding Harris's ability to lead the ticket to victory against a resurgent Trump campaign.