I think he's actually lost weight! He looks fantastic.
Sorry, I should continue to call him Gov Fatso. Bad Tommy.
Kamala Harris campaign considering J.B. Pritzker for vice presidential candidate
Harris’ campaign called the governor to discuss the No. 2 spot on Wednesday, a source told the Sun-Times. “I’d be reluctant to make a change, but it’d be hard to resist a call and consideration if the nominee called me to ask to be considered for vice president,” Pritzker said on CNN.
By Tina Sfondeles, Suntimes
Jul 24, 2024
Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign called Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday to gauge his interest in running for vice president, the first indication that the Illinois governor is on the shortlist of Democrats under consideration to join the ticket.
The call marked the first time Pritzker had spoken to the campaign about the role since Harris announced her candidacy, according to a source with knowledge of the discussion.
Appearing on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper” on Wednesday afternoon, Pritzker was asked whether he is being considered as Harris’ running mate, and the governor responded that he was unable to comment on “private conversations.”
Asked by Tapper if he would accept the No. 2 slot on the ticket if it was offered, Pritzker replied, “Well, I think you know, I love being governor of Illinois.
“The people of Illinois graced me with that title for the last two elections. And, you know, I’d be reluctant to make a change, but it’d be hard to resist a call and consideration if the nominee called me to ask to be considered for vice president.”
A Pritzker spokeswoman on Wednesday said, “the governor’s comment speaks for itself.”
On Tuesday, Pritzker said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that he had not been asked for vetting materials.
“I love being the governor of the State of Illinois, and I’ve been out on the campaign trail fighting hard for Democrats to win. ... I’m very interested in making sure that Kamala Harris becomes the next president of the United States,” Pritzker said on Tuesday.
Hours later, Pritzker told CNN’s Erin Burnett “obviously you’d have to consider it if you’re asked.”
Consideration for vice president comes after days of jockeying by Pritzker, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and others.
Pritzker, who has presidential ambitions, did not aspire to be a vice president — but became open to the possibility after the vice president announced her run at the top of the ticket. The Democratic governor, despite months of campaigning for President Joe Biden and appearing on national television, has still struggled to raise his profile outside of Illinois, according to polls.
Vice President Kamala Harris, center, flanked by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, left, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker, right, raise hands in support during a rally at the UIC Forum in 2022.
Vice President Kamala Harris, center, flanked by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, left, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker, right, attend a rally at the UIC Forum at the University of Illinois Chicago campus in 2022. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
But as he demonstrated in his 2018 run for governor, which he jump-started an astounding 18 months before election day, an unlimited amount of money can help raise your profile. Pritzker, the billionaire heir to the Hyatt fortune, has poured $323 million into his two campaigns. And he’s viewed as a favorable candidate to the Harris campaign to help wedge, or boost, any fund-raising gaps.
He’s also built up a loyal base of staffers, who are ready to jump into action whenever he’s ready.
Pritzker, 59, is a political junkie, and has deep ties to California Democrats. He was born in Palo Alto and grew up in the state in the 1970s.
Pritzker is close to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a San Francisco resident who was a close friend to Pritzker’s mother. Pritzker lost his mother, who suffered from alcoholism, in a gruesome car accident when he was 17, only 10 years after his father died of a heart attack at age 39.
Pritzker has credited his mother with instilling his early interest in abortion rights and progressive activism.
His record as governor lines up with Democratic priorities.
In his first term, the Gold Coast Democrat signed four budgets, touted improvements in the state’s shoddy financial ratings, and signed legislation that raised the minimum wage, legalized marijuana and enshrined the right to get an abortion in Illinois at a historic time. And he led the state through the devastating pandemic.
In January 2023, he signed legislation to ban assault weapons in Illinois, a measure that has thus far survived several legal challenges.
As a potential vice president, Pritzker would be able to show off his hands-on campaigning skills. During Pritzker’s first gubernatorial run, his staffers learned the then political newcomer couldn’t leave a room without shaking every person’s hand.
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