Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris is in the final stages of selecting her running mate, with an announcement expected on Monday or Tuesday. Over the weekend, Harris met with several contenders, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona. Reports suggest that these three are the finalists, but other candidates, such as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have also been considered.
Former Attorney General Eric Holder, who is leading the vetting process for potential running mates, was spotted entering the vice president’s residence. Harris is set to begin a campaign tour with her running mate in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Speculation arose about Kelly’s status after he tweeted, then deleted, a post about his background in the U.S. Navy and NASA.
Political science experts believe that the weekend interviews were designed to test the contenders’ responses to potential concerns and weaknesses once they join the ticket. For example, Shapiro’s positions on school vouchers and Israel’s war in Gaza have drawn criticism from progressive activists. Walz, who is favored by the progressive wing of the party, may need to balance Harris’ liberal profile effectively. Kelly, on the other hand, may have to address perceptions of being less pro-labor compared to other contenders.
Overall, Harris is likely assessing how each potential pick would handle coalition dynamics and address any potential liabilities in the general election campaign. The final decision is eagerly awaited by supporters and observers alike.
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