Vice President Kamala Harris will reveal her vice presidential running mate before touring key battleground states next week, according to sources familiar with the planning. This announcement comes on the heels of President Joe Biden's exit from the 2024 presidential race and his endorsement of Harris as the Democratic nominee.
The decision on Harris' running mate has become a focal point of her campaign. Governors Andy Beshear, Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly, Tim Walz, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg are all being considered for the VP spot. Governors Roy Cooper and Gretchen Whitmer have already withdrawn from contention.
Pete Buttigieg at the #WhiteDudesForKamala pic.twitter.com/2CCXCP1WDT
— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress) July 30, 2024
Harris' tour will target pivotal states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, which are crucial for the upcoming November election. These states have historically played a significant role in determining the outcome of presidential races.
Nevada may also be included in the tour.
Kamala Harris isn’t even black… she’s Indian. She locked up over 1,500 people for weed related crimes and then laughed about it years later. The worst VP in American History.
Trump 2024 pic.twitter.com/UZZIg4KkxG
— Lil Pump (@lilpump) July 28, 2024
The compressed timeline for selecting a VP running mate has added pressure to Harris' campaign. Typically, campaigns have months to vet candidates, but Harris faces an August 7 deadline set by the Democratic National Committee.
Former Attorney General and old Obama ally Eric Holder Jr. is leading the vetting process for Harris through his law firm, Covington & Burling.
Candidates for the vice-presidential spot have been actively campaigning and showcasing their strengths. For instance, Josh Shapiro delivered a compelling speech in the Philadelphia suburbs, emphasizing Harris' readiness to lead.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been vocal in his criticism of the Republican ticket, calling them "weird" and positioning the Democrats as the party unafraid of unconventional challenges.
