Home-state pride aside, there are four good reasons Vice President Kamala Harris should pick Governor Roy Cooper.

First, together they can carry North Carolina, and Trump can’t win without North Carolina.

In 2020, Trump beat Joe Biden by only 1.3% here, and Cooper won reelection by 4.5%. If Cooper – by far the most popular politician in the state – is on the ballot, he can put the ticket over the top.

Second, as a moderate-progressive Southern governor, Cooper counters the attacks on Harris as a San Francisco liberal. He helps her across the country and in every swing state.

Third, Cooper – unlike Trump’s wanna-be mini-me J.D. Vance – could step into the presidency. Picking a running mate is the first big decision a candidate for President makes. Picking a seasoned, successful executive enhances Harris’ Oval Office cred.

Fourth, Cooper and Harris already have a relationship built on trust and time together as attorneys general. They’ve campaigned together several times this year, and that was no coincidence.

With Trump and Vance, you can see trouble ahead. Some Republicans already are questioning the choice. How long before Trump turns on him?

With Cooper, there’ll be no running-mate remorse.