May 7, 2020
Democratic Operatives Make a Push For Michelle Obama To Become Vice President
Democratic operatives have just launched a committee with the aim of pushing presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to name Michelle Obama as his vice president.
“The Committee to Draft Michelle Obama firmly believes that Ms. Obama will not only benefit the Democratic ticket this November but also help lead this country to be more just and caring,” the group said in a statement according to ABC News. “However strongly we support Ms. Obama as Vice President Biden’s running mate, we will transfer our resolve to whoever joins the ticket to defeat the most dangerous incumbent in the history of our nation.”
Biden committed to choosing a black woman as his vice president but has backtracked on that in recent weeks. Biden did say that he would choose the former first lady “in a heartbeat,” but noted that it was unlikely to happen.
“She’s brilliant. She knows the way around. She is a really fine woman. The Obamas are great friends,” Biden said in an interview with CBS in late April. However, Biden added, “I don’t think she has any desire to live in the White House again.”
The newly formed committee filed as a non-connected PAC on April 26, according to FEC documents, and is not affiliated with Barack Obama or Biden’s campaign. The committee is supported by Democratic fundraisers including Nadine Hack and Mack Wilbourn.
Although the committee wants Biden to choose Michelle Obama as his running mate, the committee said it will “transfer our resolve to whoever joins the ticket to defeat the most dangerous incumbent in the history of our nation.”
In March, House Majority Whip James Clyburn urged Biden to choose a black woman as his running mate. Clyburn suggested Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, Democratic Reps. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, Val Demings of Florida, and Karen Bass of California as potential choices, as well as Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Biden has already begun his search for a vice president saying he hopes to make a selection by the end of May.