Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock is only four years into his tenure, but the Savannah native is appearing on the short-list to join Kamala Harris as the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee.
If chosen, Warnock would add charisma to the ticket. A former pastor and noted public speaker, Warnock has not been plagued by gaffes like the current Vice President. Warnock also provides significant contrast with Harris on issues of criminal justice reform, an issue that has put her at odds with many African American community leaders.
Warnock comes with significant Progressive bona fides including claims that Jesus is pro-abortion and anti-Israel rhetoric. The conflict in Gaza continues to be a point of division in the Democrat party after progressives pushed for “uncommitted” protest votes in Democratic primaries.
Warnock garnered 51% of the vote in his 2022 Senate race while Vice President Harris currently polls at only 46% according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution and has a 50.4% disapproval rating from polling group Five Thirty Eight. Appointing Warnock the Democrat ticket would be an attempt to help close that gap in a key swing state.
Harris is also trailing former President Trump in the polls in Pennsylvania and other swing states.
A Warnock appointment could also help Harris court African American and women voters nationally. Harris has consistently polled poorly among those two demographics which are key to Democrat victories.
“I felt like we were doomed,” Brianna Smith told the Associated Press. Smith, a 24-year-old school counselor and an African American from Decatur, GA, added, “I don’t see America actually accepting the fact that a Black woman is running for president.”
Black men have historically been wary of Harris because of her conduct as a prosecutor including withholding exculpatory evidence. Black women are among the most loyal of Democrat voters, but recent polling suggests Harris has problems with that demographic as well. Only 79% of Black female voters expressed support for Harris in the recent poll.
Newsweek reports Trump is also “crushing” Harris among younger voters age 18-34 with only 39% support in a Quinnipiac University poll. Trump enjoys 58% support in the same demographic.A Point Politics/SoCal Research poll conducted after Biden’s withdrawal from the race put Trump at 51% compared to Harris at 43%.
