2004 Democratic Party vice presidential candidate selection

John Kerry's vice-presidential candidate selection process began after Kerry became the presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee in the 2004 election campaign. Kerry announced on July 6, 2004 that his choice for running mate was Senator John Edwards of North Carolina.[1]

North Carolina Senator John Edwards (right) was chosen as the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2004.

Selection

One of the major criteria considered to be a factor in selecting a vice-presidential candidate was the ability to deliver a traditionally Republican or a swing state in the November election. Every successful Democratic presidential campaign since 1960 had included a politician from a swing state (usually in the South) who helped deliver one or more states for the Democrats. As of late June, the charismatic Edwards was the first choice of Democratic voters, according to several polls; some pundits attributed this to high name recognition, due to his runner-up status in the primaries.

Reported Shortlist

Pundits and those close to the Kerry campaign indicated that the vice-presidential selection had narrowed to five potential choices.

Announcement

On the morning of July 6, 2004, Kerry announced the selection of John Edwards as his running mate. However, at 10 p.m. on the night before the official announcement, the information was leaked by an airport worker who saw Edwards's name being painted on Kerry's plane, which was to be used to announce his choice of running mate. On July 6, the Kerry campaign sent an e-mail message to his supporters at about 8:15 a.m. EDT informing them of the choice, and made the formal announcement for 9 a.m. EDT in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[2]

Media speculation on possible vice presidential candidates

[3][4][5]

Members of Congress

Governors

Federal executive branch officials

Other individuals

References
  1. "Kerry names Edwards his running mate". CNN. July 6, 2004. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  2. https://www.npr.org/politics/vp/
  3. Crowley, Michael (2004-05-28). "Kerry's long shortlist for vice president". Slate Magazine. Retrieved 2020-06-13.
  4. "Kerry's VP List". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2020-06-13.
  5. "John Kerry campaign: Democratic candidates for vice president (washingtonpost.com)". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2020-06-13.
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