The already short list of potential Democratic candidates for the vice presidency on presidential election on November 5 shrank further yesterday Monday, as North Carolina’s governor Roy Cooper and the governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer have made it clear they are not seeking a place on the party’s ballot, less than 100 days before the polls open.

THE Kamala Harris is called upon to decide as soon as possible. The vice president is now considered virtually certain to be the Democratic presidential nominee, a week or so after the president Joe Biden announced that he is ending his re-election campaign.

Securing key states, making a gesture to moderate or undecided voters, attracting the female or youth vote, a message to residents of deindustrialized areas: the choice will have to take into account complex factors and is strategic in nature.

Mr Cooper withdrew from the proceedings, a Reuters source briefed on his decision said yesterday. It was not explained why. The New York Times reported on the development earlier.

At the same time, Whitmer told the CBS television network that she is “not involved” in the selection process, which usually takes months, but is being accelerated this time, after all, the duo must appear at the Democratic convention, which begins on August 19.

“I have informed everyone, including the citizens of Michigan, that I will remain in office as governor until the end of my term at the end of 2026,” Whitmer explained.

The options seen as dominant are, without exception, white: the governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapirothe governor of Kentucky Andy Beshearthe Arizona senator Mark Kellythe governor of Minnesota Tim Walsh.

The name of the transport minister has also been heard Pete Buttige.

Harris is expected to make a decision by the weekend, according to reports.