Vice President Kamala Harris is in the midst of selecting her running mate, with the announcement scheduled for next week. This weekend, Harris is interviewing six potential candidates, including prominent governors and senators. The candidates in consideration are Governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Tim Walz of Minnesota, along with Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
President Joe Biden confirmed on Friday that he has had discussions with Harris about the vice-presidential search but chose not to offer specific advice on the qualities she should seek. “I’ll let her work that out,” Biden commented before departing for Wilmington, Delaware, for the weekend.
The selection process has been dynamic, with candidates adjusting their schedules in response to developments. For example, Josh Shapiro abruptly cancelled three planned fundraisers in Long Island, New York. Shapiro’s press secretary, Manuel Bonder, explained that Shapiro’s schedule had changed, indicating a shift in his campaign activities.
Both Shapiro and Kelly had been considered front-runners early in the process, which began with an initial list of around twelve names. Some candidates, including North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, have withdrawn from consideration, citing concerns about the demands of a national campaign.
The speculation surrounding Harris’s vice-presidential pick was further fueled by a social media video posted by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. The video featured local officials and Democrats endorsing both Harris for president and Shapiro for vice-president. This prompted speculation that Parker might have inside information about Harris’s decision.
However, a source familiar with Parker’s views clarified that the video was simply an expression of support for both Harris and Shapiro, not an indication of Harris’s final choice. This clarification came amid growing anticipation for the announcement.
Michael Kempner, a member of President Biden’s national finance committee, was set to host one of Shapiro’s fundraisers. After the event was postponed, Kempner communicated his support for Shapiro as Harris’s vice-presidential pick, which further fueled speculation. He noted in a message to invitees that “many are speculating that this is a sign he will be the vice president.”
As the deadline for Harris’s decision approaches, all eyes are on her upcoming announcement and subsequent tour. Harris is expected to start a tour of seven key battleground states beginning in Philadelphia on Tuesday, which will likely provide further context for her choice.
With just days left until the official announcement, the political landscape is abuzz with speculation about Harris’s final decision. The selection of a vice-presidential running mate is a critical move that could significantly influence the dynamics of the upcoming election. As Harris continues her search and finalizes her choice, the political world eagerly awaits the impact of her decision.