In politics, unconventional strategies often pave the way to victory.
Working on the Remain campaign in 2016, I saw first hand how our opponents on the Leave side executed a populist approach that tapped into widespread dissatisfaction with the political establishment and beat the odds.
That same year, in the US, the Trump campaign defied traditional political norms with bombastic and divisive rhetoric, rejecting mainstream campaigning and embracing social media with a raw, unfiltered style that appealed to many Americans who felt alienated by the political establishment.
Since then, we’ve seen trends in France, Ireland, and Canada.
As we grapple with President Joe Biden’s decision to put his country first and step aside yesterday, the 2024 presidential election is just 15 weeks away, and the Democratic Party still faces the daunting task of defying the odds themselves and defeating Donald Trump.
Biden has rightly endorsed his formidable Vice President Kamala Harris, and I believe she is the right person for the top job.
But what she needs now is to defy conventions.
She needs a bold and unprecedented move: selecting a Republican vice-presidential candidate.
Now, before you all lose your cool, let me explain.
Harris is capable, no doubt about it. In my mind, who better to take the fight to a convicted criminal than a former prosecutor?
But we cannot underestimate Trump, his revitalised campaign since that assassination attempt, nor the division that campaigning to elect the first Black woman to the presidency is going to unearth.
The truth is that extremism in America has all but eroded rational discourse and public trust.
Immigration is a wedge issue, abortion is weaponised, and climate change is apparently up for debate.
Whether we like it or not (and I certainly don’t), we have to counter that – and that means doing whatever it takes to get Harris over the line.
In this environment, a respected Republican as the vice-presidential candidate would communicate a commitment to unity and bipartisanship in an increasingly divided country.
It would appeal to the growing number of voters disillusioned with partisanship and seek a government that prioritises the nation’s well-being over party loyalty.
This election hinges on winning over moderate voters and independents who often find themselves alienated by the extremes of both parties.
Under Kamala Harris, and someone from across the aisle, the Democrats can expand their appeal to this crucial demographic by demonstrating a willingness to prioritise the nation’s interests over party politics.
Not only does this bolster the chances of victory, but it strengthens democracy and could put an end to the polarisation and gridlock that has plagued politics for so long.
Although some Democrats may view the selection of a Republican VP as a compromise of their values, particularly those on the left, it is safe to assume they will still support the ticket to avoid another Trump presidency.
Democrat heavyweights like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren all fiercely backed Biden and understand what’s at stake if they don’t support Harris.
The truth is, anyone is better than Trump—even another Republican.
So, who?
Cindy McCain, the widow of Senator and former presidential candidate John McCain, embodies the values of bipartisanship and public service. Her endorsement of Joe Biden in 2020 demonstrated her willingness to put country over party.
As Vice President, McCain could attract centrist Republicans and independents who admire her late husband’s legacy and commitment to national unity.
She has a strong record advocating for veterans and has spent decades raising awareness of human trafficking, working tirelessly to support legislation and initiatives aimed at combating this global issue.
She is strong on social issues like LGBTQIA+ rights, publicly backing same-sex marriage, and her philanthropic efforts could bring a compassionate and pragmatic perspective to the administration.
Another potential veep with strong family ties is Liz Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney.
She represents a brand of compassionate conservatism that could resonate with disaffected Republicans.
She has a strong record of defending democracy and the rule of law, both needed more than ever in the US right now, most notably through her vocal opposition to Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election and participating in the January 6th Committee investigating the Capitol insurrection, which saw her censored by her own party.
A Harris-Cheney ticket would underscore a commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, two things Donald Trump has threatened.
Perhaps most compelling of all is former governor and 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, whose legislative experience and willingness to collaborate on cross-party issues make him an ideal candidate for fostering unity.
As governor of Massachusetts, he implemented a state healthcare reform plan that served as a model for the Affordable Care Act.
In the Senate, he voted to convict Trump during both impeachment trials. His presence on the ticket could facilitate meaningful dialogue and cooperation between the two parties, helping to find common ground on healthcare, climate change, and inequality.
And, frankly, in purely strategic terms, having a white man as VP will mitigate the discomfort some unfortunately still might feel towards electing a Black woman as president.
The stakes of the 2024 election are too high to allow anything, least of all party politics, to overshadow the greatest threat to American democracy since its conception.
The Democrats must build a coalition that transcends party lines and appeals to the broadest electorate.
There is no question that Kamala Harris will serve her country faithfully, but unprecedented challenges demand unprecedented solutions.
By choosing a Republican VP, she has a historic opportunity to unite the nation in a time of unprecedented division and lock down Donald Trump’s defeat.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk.
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