Washington (Business Emerge), August 5: Vice President Kamala Harris is on the verge of announcing her running mate ahead of a critical tour across battleground states. This pivotal decision follows a series of interviews with leading contenders at her Washington residence over the weekend.
Over the weekend, Harris held a series of interviews with three top candidates at her Naval Observatory residence in Washington. The candidates included Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. This intensive vetting process was aided by a detailed scrutiny from former Attorney General Eric Holder and his firm Covington & Burling LLP.
The announcement could come at any moment before Harris’s scheduled public appearance with her chosen vice-presidential nominee on Tuesday in Philadelphia. This marks the beginning of a nationwide tour across several battleground states that are expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming election.
Harris’s search for a running mate, which began in earnest two weeks ago, involved both in-person and virtual meetings with potential candidates. Among those considered were Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. These discussions included a 90-minute meeting with Buttigieg on Friday.
This selection process began soon after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race, endorsing Harris as his successor. The choice of a running mate is crucial for Harris as she prepares to mount a strong campaign against Donald Trump in the November election. Her shortlist comprises candidates known for their appeal to rural, white, or independent voters, all of whom are white men.
Throughout the weekend, Harris deliberated with her close-knit team, including her husband Doug Emhoff, brother-in-law Tony West, and a select group of advisors. The decision is being carefully weighed, with each candidate’s background and potential scrutinized thoroughly.