Phil Boas: ‘Republicans Should Fear Harris-Kelly Ticket in 2024’
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Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly narrowed down her choice for a presidential running mate to a select few, and Arizona Republic columnist Phil Boas believes his state’s United States Senator, Mark Kelly, would be the perfect fit.
In his latest column, Boas argues that while Republicans aren’t afraid of running against Harris, they “absolutely should” be scared if she picks Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) as her running mate.
Boas highlights Kelly’s impressive biography as a Navy fighter pilot and NASA astronaut, suggesting these credentials would greatly appeal to swing voters. Additionally, Kelly’s background as the son of police officers positions him well to counter Republican claims that Democrats are “soft on crime.”
“If Kelly were the nominee, America would know there would be someone in the Harris White House who understands police officers and believes in their mission,” Boas asserts. “When the Trump-Vance campaign accuses Harris of hating cops, Kelly could stand up and say, ‘I’m the son of cops, don’t educate Americans on something you know nothing about.'”
Furthermore, as a senator from a border state who has long advocated for tougher immigration restrictions, Kelly could help Democrats address one of their most significant vulnerabilities among voters. “Republicans are giddy at the thought of crushing Kamala Harris in November,” Boas writes. “They need to get a grip. If Harris chooses the Arizonan as her running mate, you can call the Democrats soft. But Americans will look at Mark Kelly and see a rock.”
Boas’s column underscores the potential strengths Kelly would bring to the Harris ticket. His military and space exploration background not only adds an element of heroism but also appeals to patriotic sentiments. His family’s law enforcement history provides a direct counter-narrative to GOP attacks on Democrats’ stance on crime. And his firm position on immigration could help the ticket appeal to a broader range of voters, especially in crucial swing states.
This analysis reflects broader discussions within the Democratic Party about how best to position themselves against Republican strategies in the upcoming election. While Harris’s candidacy is already a historic and significant moment, the addition of Kelly could fortify the ticket, presenting a united front capable of addressing key issues and countering Republican narratives.
Boas concludes that a Harris-Kelly ticket would not only strengthen the Democratic position but could also shift the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race. As speculation continues, the prospect of such a partnership highlights the strategic considerations at play as both parties prepare for the next election cycle.
