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'NEED A WOMAN'

Biden reveals Obama’s advice on picking a running mate and says he ‘needs a woman vice president’

JOE Biden has revealed Barack Obama's advice on picking a running mate and suggested he "needs a woman vice president."

The former vice president discussed the helpful tip during a virtual fundraiser on Wednesday.

 Governor Gretchen Whitmer looks to be the frontrunner for the VP spot on Bidens ticket Biden and Whitmer (above last month)
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer looks to be the frontrunner for the VP spot on Bidens ticket Biden and Whitmer (above last month)Credit: AP
 Senator Elizabeth Warren (above with Biden at a CNN debate) is on the short list claim multiple sources
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Senator Elizabeth Warren (above with Biden at a CNN debate) is on the short list claim multiple sourcesCredit: AP

“And so I’m going to need a woman vice president who has the capacity, has strengths where I have weaknesses,” 77-year-old Biden told listeners, according to the

Biden may have already picked his frontrunner for the spot, and even given her a test run.

In the first episode of his new podcast, the former senator from Delaware sat down with Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan.

Governor Whitmer, 48, has a lot going for her, and could secure a win for Biden in Michigan four years after Hillary Clinton lost the state to Donald Trump.

She was already given a shot on the national stage when she was selected to deliver the Democrat's response to the state of the union, and has recently been lauded for her handling of the coronavirus pandemic in her state.

 Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo is a name that is being discussed, but she has less to offer than Whitmer in terms of electoral votes
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Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo is a name that is being discussed, but she has less to offer than Whitmer in terms of electoral votesCredit: AP
 In late-February, Biden reportedly considered Kamala Harris, pictured, as his VP pick
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In late-February, Biden reportedly considered Kamala Harris, pictured, as his VP pickCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Another candidate scoring points for her handling of the COVID-19 outbreak is Governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island.

Multiple campaign workers said that she is certainly a name that has been discussed these past few months, but say she has less to offer being from the smallest state in the country and one that has not voted Republican in almost 40 years.

In late-February, Biden reportedly considered Sen. Kamala Harris as his VP pick and said the former California prosecutor "fits the bill" as a potential running mate.

Other possible women VP picks include African-American politician Stacey Abrams and the two senators who the New York Times endorsed in the Democratic primary - Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar.

Biden himself also told supporters that he was considering Sally Yates foe the role as well, praising the deputy attorney general under President Obama.

During a heated CNN Democratic debate with rival Bernie Sanders in mid-march, Biden was asked about a possible vice president and said he will

Biden also reiterated his intent to appoint the first African-American woman to the Supreme Court.

 Amy Klobuchar decided to drop out of the 2020 presidential race and endorse Biden
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Amy Klobuchar decided to drop out of the 2020 presidential race and endorse BidenCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Stacey Abrams has previously reportedly been considered as a VP running mate for Biden
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Stacey Abrams has previously reportedly been considered as a VP running mate for BidenCredit: AP:Associated Press

A few weeks ago, Biden told donors: "The most important thing... and I've actually talked to Barack about this.

"The most important thing is that there has to be someone who, the day after they're picked, is prepared to be president of the United States of America if something happened."

He added: “They have to be prepared.

“Once I pick someone, God willing, if I’m the nominee, that there’s not going to be any snafu.”

Self-declared "Democratic Socialist" pulled out of the 2020 Presidential race on Wednesday to clear the way for fellow Democrat Biden.

 Biden has spoken with Obama about his VP picks
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Biden has spoken with Obama about his VP picksCredit: AFP or licensors

The 78-year-old Vermont senator announced he was suspending his Presidential campaign on April 8, 2020 during a conference call with staff.

His departure from the 2020 race cleared the path for Joe Biden, who has enjoyed a steady growth of supporters since a surprising blowout victory in the South Carolina primary in late February.

On Monday, President Trump trolled Biden for suggesting a conference during the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden's call for the virtual meeting came shortly after he called for the DNC conference to be pushed back from its original set dates in July due to the .

 People said they would trust Biden more to handle issues like the coronavirus
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 People said they would trust Biden more to handle issues like the coronavirusCredit: Reuters
 Obama suggested Biden 'needs a woman vice president'
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Obama suggested Biden 'needs a woman vice president'Credit: Reuters
Bernie Sanders QUITS 2020 presidential campaign – clearing Joe Biden's path to face Trump


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