Vice President Kamala Harris will introduce her new running mate at a highly anticipated rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening. With only hours left until the event, the identity of her choice remains unknown, fueling widespread speculation.
Potential Candidates
In recent days, Harris has narrowed her options to three prominent figures:
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
- Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
Each candidate brings unique strengths to the ticket, but the final decision has yet to be disclosed.
The Announcement Plan
Harris is expected to reveal her running mate through a video message earlier in the day before appearing together at the rally. This approach mirrors how Joe Biden announced Harris as his vice-presidential pick in 2020, utilizing a video during the pandemic.
The Vetting Process
The selection process has been swift, taking just over two weeks since President Biden decided to step aside, making Harris the de facto nominee. The vetting included both in-person and online interviews, conducted primarily at the Naval Observatory in Washington, DC.
Finalists: Strengths and Speculations
Josh Shapiro
- Strengths: Shapiro is the Governor of Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state. He is popular among Republican voters and has garnered support from anti-Trump conservatives. His strong approval ratings in Pennsylvania could help Harris secure this critical state.
- Controversies: His stance on Israel’s war in Gaza and pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly among Arab Americans and activist groups.
Mark Kelly
- Strengths: Kelly, a former combat pilot and astronaut, represents Arizona, another key battleground state. His background could counter Trump’s arguments on national security and immigration, and his experience as an astronaut and military service add to his appeal.
- Speculations: Kelly recently tweeted and deleted a message indicating he might be out of the running. This move has fueled speculation and added to the intrigue surrounding the announcement.
Tim Walz
- Strengths: Walz is more popular with young and progressive voters. Although Minnesota is not a battleground state, his appeal could energize the Democratic base. Walz’s popularity among younger and progressive voters could bring a new dynamic to the Harris campaign.
- Public Remarks: At a fundraiser, Walz criticized Trump, labelling the GOP ticket as “weird,” a sentiment gaining traction among Democrats. His outspoken nature might resonate with voters looking for bold leadership.
Other Considered Candidates
Three other names were reportedly on Harris’s shortlist:
- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker: Known for his strong governance in Illinois, Pritzker has a solid track record.
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear: Beshear’s handling of various state issues has been notable.
- Pete Buttigieg, US Secretary of Transportation and former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana: Buttigieg has been a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and brings a fresh perspective.
The Political Landscape
Recent polls show Kamala Harris gaining on Trump, with CBS reporting a one-point edge nationally and even standings in battleground states. Harris leads by two points in Nevada but trails Trump in North Carolina, Georgia, and Wisconsin. These tight margins highlight the importance of selecting a running mate to help swing these crucial states in Harris’s favour.
The Campaign Trail
After the announcement, Kamala and her running mate will embark on a five-day tour of battleground states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia. This rapid-fire tour aims to solidify support and energize voters. The campaign plans to hold events in various venues, from large arenas to small community gatherings, ensuring a broad reach.
Trump’s Counter Campaign
JD Vance, Trump’s vice-presidential pick, will also be in Philadelphia on Tuesday, attempting to overshadow Harris’s announcement. Vance plans to follow Harris’s campaign stops with his own events in key states. The Trump campaign has criticized Harris and her policies, blaming them for various national issues. This counter-campaign aims to detract attention from Harris’s announcement and sway undecided voters.
Conclusion
The choice of a running mate will significantly shape the Democratic campaign against Trump and Vance. Each potential candidate offers distinct advantages, and Harris’s selection will be pivotal in the upcoming election. The anticipation surrounding the announcement underscores the high stakes of this political moment. Whoever Harris chooses, they will need to rapidly build momentum and support in the critical months leading up to the election.
