US Vice President Kamala Harris is nearing a final decision on her presidential running mate, meeting in person with top contenders over the weekend. On Friday, Harris held a one-on-one meeting with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, lasting around 90 minutes. Other hopefuls include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, US Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Harris plans to make her choice by Monday, ahead of a public appearance with her new vice presidential nominee in Philadelphia on Tuesday. The campaign also plans a social media announcement featuring the duo.
The choice of a running mate is crucial for Harris, as she quickly assembles a campaign to challenge Donald Trump in the November 5 election, following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race last month. Her shortlisted candidates are all white men with a track record of winning over rural, white, or independent voters. The decision will also impact the future direction of the Democratic party, elevating the chosen candidate to the front of the line for future presidential contests.
Some candidates have rescheduled plans, indicating they need time for a face-to-face interview. Shapiro canceled fundraisers in the Hamptons this weekend, with his press secretary citing a change in schedule. Former Attorney General Eric Holder and Covington & Burling have completed their investigation into potential vice-presidential candidates, submitting their findings to the Harris campaign.
Harris and her new running mate will embark on a four-day tour of battleground states starting Tuesday, visiting six locations, including western Wisconsin, Detroit, and Las Vegas. The first stop in Philadelphia has sparked speculation about Shapiro’s chances, but the campaign warns against reading too much into the choice. Typically, campaigns have months to vet candidates, but Harris has had to make her decision on a compressed timeline.
