Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is preparing a live television event on Thursday that will include an appearance that has the political world buzzing — a leading candidate for running mate will join him on camera.
It won’t be Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., appearing with Biden, however.
It will be former Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, who is also one of the nearly dozen candidates being formerly vetted by Biden’s campaign. Abrams officially endorsed Biden on Tuesday.
The two later announced they’re making an appearance together on MSNBC’s “The Last Word” with Lawrence O’Donnell on Thursday night.
The surprise announcement had some social media users wondering if a “special announcement” was planned.
Plus, a special guest will join the conversation: @staceyabrams pic.twitter.com/bkLPih8dpH
— Jesse Rodriguez (@JesseRodriguez) May 12, 2020
Indeed, the unexpected move has both social media and Washington insiders buzzing.
That Biden’s first appearance with a vice-presidential candidate isn’t with Harris — the clear front runner and favorite among Democratic donors — is a surprise.
Abrams is best known for her unsuccessful campaign for the governorship of Georgia, which she lost in a narrow contest to Republican Brian Kemp in 2018.
She has been outspoken about her desire to join the Biden campaign as his running mate since he became the presumptive Democratic nominee.
“I would be an excellent running mate,” she said in an interview last month. Abrams said she could attract important minority demographics to the Biden campaign, as well as experience in government.
“I have a strong history of executive and management experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. I’ve spent 25 years in independent study of foreign policy,” she said. “I am ready to help advance an agenda of restoring America’s place in the world. If I am selected, I am prepared and excited to serve.”
Biden hasn’t committed to a date for his running mate announcement. Despite the appearance with Abrams, insiders say his campaign is still heavily favoring Harris.
Other candidates being vetted include Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and several others.