Democratic Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina urged key states to support Vice President Kamala Harris during his speech on the final night of the Democratic National Convention.
“Are we going to stand up? Are we going to fight? Are we going to vote? Are we going to win?” Cooper asked the enthusiastic crowd at Chicago’s United Center. “You bet we are! Let’s go get them!”
Cooper had an important speaking slot, just before Harris gave her acceptance speech, which shows that Democrats think North Carolina could play a crucial role in the election.
On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump promoted Michael Whatley, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, to a national role. He also appointed his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, who is from Wilmington, as co-chairwoman.
Cooper’s introduction of Harris might also hint that he was considered as a top choice for Harris’ running mate before Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was selected. Since Cooper is term-limited as governor, he might be considered for a position in Harris’ Cabinet if she wins.
Some officials from Cooper’s administration, like Michael Regan and Dr. Mandy Cohen, have already joined the Biden administration.
North Carolina is one of the key battleground states in the election, along with Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada.
Although North Carolina is seen as a battleground state, it has mostly voted Republican in presidential elections, except for two instances since 1964 when Lyndon B. Johnson won. The only Democrats to win in the state since then were Jimmy Carter in 1976 and Barack Obama in 2008.
Cooper assured the audience that Harris would fight not just for Democrats, but for all Americans.
“I know that because I know her. And tonight, I want the American people to know,” he said. “Even if you don’t agree with her on everything, Kamala Harris will fight for you until the very end.”
Cooper shared a story about how Harris took on big banks after the 2008 housing crisis, refusing to back down. He praised her for being a leader who does what she says and never settles for less.
Cooper highlighted Harris’ plans to support the American middle class and stand by the country’s allies abroad.
“America,” he said, “we’ve got a lot of big fights ahead of us, and we’ve got one strong fighter ready to take them on.”
