Democrat Josh Shapiro had a dual message for voters in suburban Philadelphia this week: Kamala Harris belongs in the White House, and here’s what he’s accomplished as governor of battleground Pennsylvania. Similarly, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, while campaigning in Georgia, touted Harris as having the makings of “a great president” before highlighting his own victories as a Democrat in a Republican stronghold.
The governors are following a time-honored tradition in presidential campaigns: summertime auditions from potential vice presidential picks, balancing self-promotion with loyal advocacy for the prospective boss.
Vice President Harris, poised to be the Democratic nominee, appears intent on selecting a running mate who she personally trusts and who can broaden her electoral appeal. Her campaign is currently vetting about a dozen potential candidates, according to insiders. Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly are reportedly among the front-runners.
Three sources familiar with Harris’s plans indicated Tuesday that she and her chosen running mate would begin visiting battleground states next week, suggesting an imminent decision. The sources, who requested anonymity to discuss unpublished details, did not disclose the final pick or the specific states on Harris’s travel agenda.
In the meantime, Harris’s team, led by former Attorney General Eric Holder, is meticulously reviewing paperwork from potential running mates. Harris herself is conducting personal interviews with the finalists, according to a source close to the matter.
Harris, another insider said, is looking for someone with executive experience who can also be a governing partner. Despite the focus on a so-called short list, Democratic hopefuls nationwide are still vying for attention.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently on MSNBC avoided specifics about his interactions with the Harris campaign but acknowledged the thoroughness of the vetting process and highlighted his achievement of raising the state minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, once considered an ideal candidate if Biden stepped aside, has downplayed her chances. Nonetheless, she appeared with Shapiro in Pennsylvania and speculated on MSNBC last week that “two women on the ticket would be exciting.”
Harris aims to make history as the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to serve as president. Many Democrats believe she should balance her ticket demographically and politically to enhance her chances in the election.
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