This Sunday, US Vice President Kamala Harris will interview three leading contenders as she moves closer to selecting her running mate. The candidates under consideration are US Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. The interviews will be held at Harris’s residence in Washington, DC.
Reports from Reuters suggest that Harris could reveal her choice as early as Monday, with a public appearance alongside the selected vice presidential nominee planned for Tuesday in Philadelphia. Additionally, the Harris campaign is preparing a social media announcement to introduce the chosen candidate.
This decision is crucial for Harris, especially as she prepares to challenge Donald Trump in the upcoming November 5 election, following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race last month. The choice of running mate could significantly impact the future trajectory of the Democratic Party, positioning the selected individual as a potential contender for future presidential races.
Among the contenders, Shapiro has faced criticism from progressive groups and pro-Palestinian activists due to his support for Israel and his handling of college protests related to the Gaza conflict. His management of a sexual harassment complaint and his stance on expanding voucher programs for private schools have also drawn scrutiny. Similarly, Kelly has been criticized by labor groups, including the United Auto Workers (UAW), for his lack of support for union-organizing legislation.
On the other hand, Walz has gained favor among progressives and younger voters for his robust critiques of Trump. Despite being only a year older than Harris, some critics believe his age might be a disadvantage in a campaign already addressing concerns about Biden’s age.
