U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris boards Air Force Two as she departs Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in Westfield, Mass., U.S., July 27, 2024. Stephanie Scarbrough/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Harris to Announce Vice Presidential Pick Ahead of Battleground Tour
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to announce her vice-presidential pick as early as Monday, according to two sources familiar with the planning. This decision will precede a multi-state battleground tour with her new running mate later in the week. The announcement has become a focal point since Harris emerged as the Democratic frontrunner for the November 5 election following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race just over a week ago.
Announcement and Tour
Harris plans to reveal her vice-presidential choice before embarking on a tour of critical swing states next week. These states have the potential to determine the outcome of the election, swinging either to Republicans or Democrats. While Harris’ campaign has not responded to requests for comment, the sources indicate that the announcement will likely be made ahead of the tour.
Potential Running Mates
The shortlist of candidates being considered includes:
- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
- U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
- Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer have both indicated they are no longer in the running for the vice-presidential position.
Battleground States
Key battleground states that have been decisive in recent elections include Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These states are expected to play a critical role in the upcoming election as well.
Campaign Timeline and Vetting Process
Typically, campaigns have months to vet potential vice-presidential candidates after the primary race ends in the spring. However, Harris faces a compressed timeline with an August 7 deadline set by the Democratic National Committee. Despite this, the decision is expected to be announced sooner.
Former Attorney General Eric Holder Jr., who led the vice-presidential vetting process for Barack Obama in 2008, is overseeing Harris’ vetting process through his law firm, Covington & Burling. Candidates are informally auditioning for the position, making public appearances and campaign stops to demonstrate their compatibility with Harris.
Candidate Activities
Josh Shapiro delivered a strong endorsement of Harris in the Philadelphia suburbs on Monday, stating, “She’s not only ready, she’s damned ready,” to a cheering crowd. Shapiro emphasized that even Donald Trump recognizes Harris’ readiness.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been vocal in criticizing the Republican ticket, labeling Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance as “weird.” Walz’s comments on Saturday aimed to highlight the Democrats’ new line of criticism: “The fascists depend on us going back, but we’re not afraid of weird people. We’re a little bit creeped out, but we’re not afraid.”
As Harris prepares to make her vice-presidential selection, the focus remains on solidifying support in crucial battleground states and presenting a united front against the Republican contenders.
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