Vice President Kamala Harris is on the verge of making a pivotal decision in her 2024 presidential campaign, as she plans to meet in person this weekend with the top contenders vying to be her running mate. According to sources familiar with the process, Harris is expected to finalize her choice by Monday, ahead of her first public appearance with the new vice-presidential nominee on Tuesday in Philadelphia.
The contenders she will meet include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. This group of candidates, all white men with strong appeal among rural, white, or independent voters, represents Harris's strategic approach to balance the ticket and attract a broad voter base.
The selection of a running mate is one of the most consequential decisions in Harris's political career. It not only shapes her campaign but also influences the future direction of the Democratic Party, potentially positioning the chosen candidate as a frontrunner for future presidential contests. The Harris campaign has enlisted former Attorney General Eric Holder and the law firm Covington & Burling to conduct a thorough vetting of potential vice-presidential candidates. Their findings have already been submitted to Harris for review.
Governor Shapiro, one of the potential candidates, canceled planned fundraisers in the Hamptons this weekend, indicating a possible face-to-face interview with Harris. "His schedule has changed and he is no longer traveling to the Hamptons this weekend," said his press secretary, Manuel Bonder.
Harris's compressed timeline for making this crucial decision contrasts with the typical campaign practice of selecting a running mate months after the primary race concludes. This expedited process is a result of President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the presidential race on July 21, thrusting Harris into the forefront of the Democratic ticket.
The formal vetting process has concluded, and the upcoming in-person meetings are among the final steps before Harris announces her choice. "I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States," Harris stated during a Democratic Party-sponsored livestream. "Your dedication cannot be overstated. Your dedication to our country. I know we all feel this way so strongly. We love our country, we believe in the promise of America, and that's what this campaign is about."
Harris and her new running mate are scheduled to embark on a four-day tour of battleground states starting Tuesday. The tour will include stops in Philadelphia, western Wisconsin, Detroit, Raleigh, North Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. The choice of Philadelphia for the first public appearance has fueled speculation that Governor Shapiro may be the frontrunner, although the campaign has cautioned against drawing conclusions based on the location.
The upcoming election is expected to be fiercely contested, with Harris facing former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. Recent polls indicate a tight race in several key battleground states. Trump has already begun attacking Harris, using racially charged rhetoric and questioning her qualifications. Harris, who is Black and of South Asian descent, has condemned Trump's remarks, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership.
As the campaign progresses, Harris remains focused on her message of unity and progress. She has quickly gained the backing of prominent Democratic leaders, including former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
