WASHINGTON (AP) – Delegates to the Democratic National Convention are giving mostly positive reviews to Hillary Clinton’s choice for vice president, saying Virginia Sen. Time Kaine will appeal to moderates but do little to soothe disenchanted Bernie Sanders supporters.
Kaine is receiving praise for his wide-ranging experience, even as many delegates acknowledged that he would not generate the level of enthusiasm or party unity as a progressive or first-ever Latino pick.
Sanders delegates in particular hoped for the selection of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who aligns more closely with Sanders on positions such as regulating Wall Street.
“People are going to discount Tim Kaine, and have in the past, and it’s going to be a lot more exciting than maybe what Bernie Sanders delegates will think,” said Katie Naranjo, a Clinton superdelegate from Austin, Texas. She said that while Kaine may seem like a “conventional choice,” he will balance the ticket well for the general election.
Delegates were heading to Philadelphia for the convention starting Monday, with those who support Sanders indicating uncertainty about embracing a Clinton ticket. Sanders endorsed Clinton last week.