North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, known for his strategic insights, shares why he chose not to vie for Kamala Harris's vice presidential spot during a pivotal time for Democrats. The discussion reveals his candid interactions with key figures like Biden and Pelosi amidst political turmoil. Cooper also dives into campaign strategies, the critical importance of party unity, and the ongoing electoral challenges in North Carolina, highlighting the role of young voters and the significance of Medicaid expansion in shaping state politics.
Governor Roy Cooper chose not to pursue the vice presidential candidacy to prioritize his role as North Carolina's governor and state stability.
Cooper believes grassroots movements in North Carolina will play a crucial role in driving voter turnout for upcoming elections.
Deep dives
Wells Fargo's Community Role
Wells Fargo plays a significant role in serving diverse communities across the U.S., particularly in rural markets. With nearly 30% of their branches located in low or moderate-income areas, they cater to one out of every three U.S. households and over 10% of small businesses nationwide. This strategic positioning allows the bank to address the financial needs of underserved populations, showcasing their commitment to community service. Their tagline, 'the bank of doing what we say we do,' emphasizes their dedication to fulfilling promises made to customers and communities.
Governor Cooper's Political Influence
Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina has emerged as a prominent figure in recent political dynamics, notably during Joe Biden's campaign. Following a challenging debate performance from Biden, Cooper was actively involved in political discussions regarding the future direction of the Democratic ticket. His willingness to advise key political figures, including Biden and Kamala Harris, demonstrates his significant influence during a critical period for the party. Cooper eventually opted not to pursue the vice presidential candidacy, prioritizing his responsibilities as governor and the stability of his state.
Democratic Unity and Future Campaigns
The political landscape in North Carolina is evolving, with strong implications for upcoming elections. Cooper anticipates that Kamala Harris will focus on North Carolina as a key swing state in her campaign, given its historical significance and demographic changes. He highlights the potential for grassroots movements and local issues to drive voter turnout, particularly in light of divisive Republican candidates. The collaboration between various Democratic leaders and grassroots enthusiasm could lead to a unifying campaign effort that enhances their chances in the next presidential election.
When President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and the Democratic party rallied around Kamala Harris as his replacement, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper was widely considered to be a top choice to serve as Harris’s running mate.
But Cooper did something unusual: he told the Harris team he didn’t want to be considered as her running mate. On this episode of Deep Dive, host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks to Cooper about why he took himself out of contention and how some weird local politics influenced his decision.
Also discussed in this episode of the show: Cooper’s conversations with Harris, Biden, and Nancy Pelosi as Democratic leaders navigated the post-debate crisis that lead to Harris’s ascension; how Cooper coached the president in the last days of Biden’s campaign; and whether or not you should believe the hype about Democrats flipping North Carolina this year.
Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Roy Cooper is the governor of North Carolina. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio.