- Kamala Harris narrows down the selection of vice-presidential candidates
After Joe Biden dropped out of the race for the White House, things had to move quickly for the Democrats. In a rushed process, Biden's vice president, Kamala Harris, has been named the new hope of the party against Republican Donald Trump. Harris already has the backing of the Democrats, having received 99% of the around 4,500 delegate votes cast in the internal poll.
Harris surpassed the threshold for the necessary majority for the nomination on Friday. She was the only candidate in the digital vote, and her nomination now needs to be formally confirmed by the party's leadership bodies.
The question of who will take over Harris' position if she becomes president remains open. The list of potential vice-presidential candidates has recently been narrowed down. According to U.S. media reports, Harris has narrowed it down to two: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Harris is expected to announce her decision in a video message. On Monday evening (local time), Harris stated, "I have not yet made my decision."
Josh Shapiro vs. Tim Walz
The 51-year-old Shapiro is a rising Democratic politician with high approval ratings in Pennsylvania. The state, with its 19 electoral votes, is considered crucial for both Harris and her Republican rival, Donald Trump, to win the election in November. Shapiro, a former attorney general, would be the first Jewish vice president in U.S. history. His strong support for Israel may deter some voters but also appeal to others.
Walz, a former soldier and teacher, has proven his ability to appeal to rural, white voters as a former congressman from a more Republican-leaning district. The 60-year-old has also advocated for free school meals and expanded paid leave for workers. Minnesota is expected to vote for the Democrats, and it borders the crucial states of Wisconsin and Michigan.
Kamala Harris' crucial decision
Observers consider Harris' choice to be one of her most important decisions ahead of the presidential election on November 5th. The vice-presidential candidate should ideally appeal to voter segments that may not be strongly drawn to Harris herself – a woman, a black, and Asian-American person. According to insiders, Harris' shortlist only included white men who could win over rural, white, or independent voters.
It is expected that Harris will announce her choice on Tuesday. An initial joint appearance is planned for the evening in Philadelphia, which will kick off a five-day tour through seven cities in swing states where the election is likely to be decided.
Josh Shapiro's high approval ratings in Pennsylvania and his potential to become the first Jewish vice president have made him a strong contender on Kamala Harris' shortlist for her vice presidential running mate. The decision Harris makes is crucial, as her vice president should ideally appeal to voter segments beyond her demographics.
If Harris chooses Josh Shapiro, his strong support for Israel could deter some voters but also appeal to others, while his political background as a former attorney general could be advantageous in crucial states like Pennsylvania.
