Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid wants Hillary Clinton to choose Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren as her running mate, according to a new report.
The Huffington Post cites four sources “familiar with Reid’s thinking” who say the Nevada Democrat would like to see Warren chosen for vice president despite his concerns about how that could affect the Democrats’ chances of taking back the Senate.
“Lately, he’s been leaning toward and sending signals for HRC to make the ask,” the source told the liberal news site.
Reid’s concern is over how Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is a Republican. If Warren is selected by Clinton and wins, Baker could temporarily appoint a Republican to replace her, potentially making it harder for Democrats to reclaim a majority in the Senate.
According to The Huffington Post, “The case for Warren is straightforward: She’s an outspoken populist-progressive who could rally supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to Clinton’s cause. Her grassroots fundraising prowess is legendary and could offset whatever loss of campaign revenue came from financial industry leaders souring on Clinton. And Warren’s appeal goes far beyond the Sanders camp: A January 2015 focus group of independents and Republicans found that she and her message resonate strongly with working and middle class voters of all stripes.”
But Warren also brings several potential problems to the ticket: She probably wouldn’t be very helpful in turning out crucial votes from minorities. And presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Warren over her past claims of being a Native American minority — an issue that nearly derailed her Senate bid — dismissively calling her “Pocahontas.”
Reid has apparently changed his mind on Warren as VP. In May, the Democrat said “hell no” when asked about the prospect of Warren for vice president. “If we have a Republican governor in any of the states the answer is not only no, but hell no. I would do whatever I can and I think most of my Democratic colleagues here would say the same thing.”