Joe Kennedy says Elizabeth Warren called him to offer a speaking slot at the Democratic convention
If not a vice presidential candidate, Massachusetts will at least have a big Monday in Philadelphia.
Monday is looking to be Massachusetts day next week at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Rep. Joe Kennedy III told reporters Wednesday at the State House that he was offered a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention by none other than fellow Bay State Democrat, and former law school professor, Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Per video from MassLive, Kennedy confirmed—appearing somewhat embarassed to do so—that he got a direct call from the Massachusetts senator, though he said the much of the details about the speech (time, length, order) were yet to be solidified.
The New York Times reported last week that Warren is also slated to deliver a speech Monday, the convention’s opening day.
Asked whether he’ll be introducing Warren in his speech, Kennedy was hopeful that would be the case.
“We’ll see. That’s the idea and that’s the hope,” Kennedy said, according to MassLive.
Politico’s Lauren Dezenski reported Wednesday morning that Boston Mayor Marty Walsh would also be speaking at the convention Monday. According to an anonymous source “familiar with the convention’s schedule,” Walsh has secured a “pretty good” time slot, she reported.
Asked about the order the three Massachusetts Democrats might speak, Kennedy said he didn’t know but would “love to have the opportunity to speak before Senator Warren.”
Last month, Kennedy said he would consider running for Warren’s seat if she was selected to be Hillary Clinton’s running mate atop the Democratic presidential ticket. Warren was reportedly being vetted to be the presumptive Democratic nominee’s vice presidential candidate.
It seems, however, that is decreasingly likely to be the case.
As the convention schedule fills into form, Warren’s opening day slot signals she is unlikely to be Clinton’s running mate. It has become recent tradition for the vice presidential nominee to deliver their speech on the Wednesday night of the convention.
Additionally, the Clinton campaign is reportedly seeking national security experience in their vice presidential pick. Warren, a former law school professor—currently a member of the Senate committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; and Aging—would not be at the top of that list.
Lastly, the Associated Press reported Wednesday the the Clinton campaign’s veep search has narrowed down to three candidates: Tim Kaine, a former governor and current senator from Virginia; Tom Vilsack, the secretary of agriculture and former Iowa governor; and Labor Secretary Tom Perez, a Hispanic “progressive champion.”
According to the report, Warren “remains in the mix” for her fundraising potential and the “tantalizing prospect” of a doubly-historic all-female presidential ticket. But she is “not expected to be the final choice.”
Sorry Massachusetts; at least we’ll have Monday.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com