Kamala Harris’ team is narrowing down the choices for her running mate, having recently held private meetings with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. With just one other contender, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, still in the running, the decision is approaching.
Harris’ aides caution against making any assumptions based on these meetings or the fact that her first public appearance with her chosen VP is scheduled for Philadelphia next Tuesday. They maintain that no decision has been made yet. However, the fact that Harris is looking for a “governing” partner ready to lead suggests the selection process is nearing its end.
Shapiro’s chances seem to be rising, particularly with the upcoming event in Philadelphia, his home state, where he has been actively supporting Harris. Kelly, representing a key swing state, is also a strong contender but faces some opposition from labor groups who feel he hasn’t shown enough support for the trade union movement. This could be a concern for Harris as she seeks to maintain Biden’s union support.
According to Politico, Harris plans to personally meet with the finalists, indicating that the selection is still ongoing. Harris is taking her time to ensure she makes the best choice for her campaign, knowing that this decision could significantly impact the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
On Wednesday, Shine My Crown reported Harris was gearing up to announce her running mate, just in time for a major rally in Philadelphia. This rally kicked off a whirlwind tour across seven key swing states in just four days, including stops in western Wisconsin, Detroit, Raleigh, Savannah, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. It marked the first big campaign push since Harris became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee after President Joe Biden unexpectedly exited the race.
The campaign’s decision to start in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, is fueling speculation about Harris’ choice for VP. Among the frontrunners is Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s governor. If picked, Philadelphia would be a fitting launchpad for the announcement, given Shapiro’s local roots and the city’s diverse electorate, crucial for winning the state’s 19 electoral votes. However, a Harris campaign aide warned against jumping to conclusions based solely on the tour’s starting point.
When asked by reporters on Tuesday if she had made a decision, she responded, “not yet.”
