Harris Narrows VP Choice to Two Finalists

Finalists Revealed: Shapiro and WalzDemocratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is close to selecting her vice presidential running mate, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz emerging as the two finalists, according to sources familiar with the matter. Harris, the current U.S. Vice President, is expected to make her announcement by Tuesday, ahead of her first public appearance with her chosen running mate at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Speculation and Social Media BuzzThe final decision remains uncertain, but the Harris campaign plans to announce the duo via social media. U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who was also a top contender, appeared to bow out after a cryptic post on X, which he later deleted and replaced with a more ambiguous message about serving his country. A spokesperson for Kelly downplayed the speculation, attributing the tweet to routine senator duties.
The Vetting ProcessHarris’ search for a running mate has been extensive, involving interviews with several candidates, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. The process intensified after President Joe Biden endorsed Harris following his withdrawal from the race. Over the weekend, Harris and her team, including former Attorney General Eric Holder, conducted thorough vetting of the candidates.
Campaign Trail and StrategyHarris and her eventual running mate are set to embark on a five-day, seven-city tour across battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada. The tour will feature rallies at college campuses, historically Black universities, union halls, and local restaurants. The campaign has also launched “Republicans for Harris,” a program aimed at garnering support from Republican voters, with kickoff events scheduled in Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
As Harris prepares to challenge Republican nominee Donald Trump and his vice presidential pick, U.S. Senator JD Vance, the choice of running mate will be crucial in her strategy to secure victory in the November 5 election. (Sigorta Haber)