Vice-President Kamala Harris Interviews Five Key Candidates for Running Mate Selection Ahead of Upcoming Battleground Tour
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
6 minutes read. Updated 3:19AM GMT Mon, 5August, 2024
In a pivotal move for the upcoming U.S. presidential election, Vice-President Kamala Harris conducted interviews with potential vice-presidential contenders on Sunday, as she prepares for a crucial battleground tour scheduled for next week. The selection process is heating up as Harris narrows down her choices for a running mate before the Democratic National Convention, which is set to commence on August 19 in Chicago.
Among the notable figures who journeyed to Washington, DC, for discussions with Harris were Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota. According to CBS, in collaboration with the BBC, the field of potential Democratic vice-presidential candidates has been narrowed to five individuals. It remains uncertain whether other high-profile candidates such as Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear or Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were included in this round of interviews.
Kamala Harris, who officially became the Democratic presidential nominee on Friday, is expected to make her final decision soon. Once announced, Harris and her running mate are likely to embark on a tour across key battleground states, aiming to consolidate support and sway undecided voters.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who has garnered significant approval ratings since his election in 2022, is seen as a strong contender. His potential addition to the ticket could bolster Harris’s chances in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state in the presidential race. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot and NASA astronaut, is recognized for his advocacy on gun safety and his firm stance on border security, which could resonate with independent and conservative voters. Governor Tim Walz, who gained national prominence for his outspoken comments about Donald Trump and JD Vance, could also be a formidable choice.
President Joe Biden has indicated that he has been in discussions with Harris regarding her search for a running mate, but has left the final decision to her discretion. The selection process involves an exhaustive vetting procedure, with potential candidates facing up to 200 questions before they are considered seriously. Notably, delegates at the Democratic National Convention do not vote on the vice-presidential pick.
The United Automobile Workers (UAW), a major labor union representing over 400,000 members, has expressed a preference for Governor Andy Beshear, citing his strong support for workers’ rights. UAW President Shawn Fain has also praised Governor Walz for his pro-labor stance but criticized Governor Shapiro’s support for private school vouchers in Pennsylvania, a proposal backed by Republicans.
In the midst of these developments, a recent CBS News poll—conducted in partnership with the BBC—shows Vice-President Harris holding a narrow lead over her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, on a national scale. The poll also reveals a tight race in key battleground states, including Wisconsin, Georgia, and North Carolina, where Trump maintains a slight edge.
Trump’s campaign has faced criticism for recent comments questioning Harris’s racial identity, which has sparked significant backlash. Trump’s remarks, made at a convention for U.S.-based black journalists, have been condemned by various figures, including Senator Laphonza Butler from California, who described the comments as “despicable” and “an insult.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes remain on Kamala Harris as she finalizes her choice for a running mate and prepares for the upcoming election campaign.
