Vice President Kamala Harris is in the final stages of selecting her running mate for the upcoming presidential election. Over the weekend, she interviewed contenders including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona. Former Attorney General Eric Holder is leading the vetting process for potential candidates.
The decision is expected to be announced on Monday or Tuesday, with Harris set to kick off a seven-state campaign tour with her running mate in Philadelphia. Among other candidates being considered are Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
Speculation about Kelly’s status arose after he tweeted and then deleted a post that hinted at his background as a U.S. Navy veteran and NASA astronaut. Harris is likely probing the weaknesses and strengths of each potential pick to ensure they handle concerns effectively once they join the ticket.
Progressive activists have raised objections about Shapiro’s positions on school vouchers and his response to protests over Israel’s actions in Gaza. In contrast, Walz has garnered support from the party’s progressive wing for his ability to pass liberal legislation in a closely divided state Legislature.
Overall, Harris is carefully evaluating each candidate to ensure they complement her liberal profile and can handle the challenges that may arise once they become her running mate. The decision is highly anticipated and could have significant implications for the upcoming election.
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