Former President Barack Obama reportedly wasn't keen on Vice President Kamala Harris being endorsed by President Joe Biden after he dropped out.
That was partially because he had his eye on Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D) and reportedly wanted him to be at the top of the Democratic Party's ticket in November.
But according to The Hill, it looks like Kelly will have to settle for a potential VP slot, as it's now being reported that he's at or near the top of Harris's VP shortlist.
Along with a handful of other potential vice presidents in a Kamala Harris administration, Kelly has recently received vetting materials from the current vice president.
Reports also indicated that Obama didn't want Harris at the top of the ticket because unlike the rest of the gaslit Democratic Party, he knows Harris stands little chance at besting Trump in November. But clearly the party is going for the diversity angle instead of the most qualified.
Kelly is an obvious pick. A former astronaut and veteran, his main draw is that he's popular in Arizona, which is said to be a critical swing state for the upcoming election, and Harris needs all the help she can possibly get.
Democratic strategist Matt Grodsky, a former communications director for the state Democratic Party, weighed in on the potential of Kelly becoming Harris's 2024 running mate.
"I think you need someone that’s got national ID and has been tested to a degree, and I think [Kelly] brings that," Grodsky said.
The Hill noted:
Democrats have expressed enthusiasm around Kelly since he first won his Senate seat in a 2020 special election to serve the remainder of the late Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) term. He was then elected to a full term in the Senate in 2022.
Observers have noted that Kelly's ability to consistently perform well for the party in Arizona could possibly transcend into other key battleground states.
With news of Kelly's ascension in the VP race, his background is already under heavy scrutiny, including his reported ties to a Chinese balloon company.
🚨 NEW: AZ Sen. Mark Kelly, who is a top contender for Kamala Harris’ VP spot, literally OWNS a Chinese-funded spy ballon company, per NYT
You just can’t make this stuff up 😂🤣
Great pick, Kamala pic.twitter.com/toaQsJIecd
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 27, 2024
"Kelly stole his Senate seat from McSally via the Arizona mafia. He’s dirty," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "Harris' roots to the Chinese runs deep. Makes perfect sense..."
