VP Harris Nears Running Mate Decision, Plans Battleground Tour

Vice President Kamala Harris is on the verge of selecting her running mate for the upcoming presidential election. The decision comes as the Democratic ticket prepares for a crucial tour of battleground states, set to commence in Philadelphia on August 6, 2024.

On August 4, Harris conducted interviews with three potential candidates: Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota. Kelly, a former astronaut with four space shuttle missions under his belt, brings a unique background to the table. Shapiro, who previously served as Pennsylvania's Attorney General, and Walz, a former high school teacher and Army National Guard veteran, both offer executive experience as governors.

It remains uncertain whether Harris has met with three other rumored contenders: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Buttigieg, notably the first openly gay cabinet member confirmed by the Senate, has been a rising star in the Democratic Party. Beshear recently secured re-election in Kentucky, a traditionally Republican-leaning state, while Pritzker brings his experience as a billionaire businessman to the table.

The Democratic campaign strategy focuses on seven highly competitive states: Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada. These battleground states, which collectively represent 93 electoral votes, played a pivotal role in the 2020 election, with five of them flipping from Republican to Democratic.

As the first female, Black, and South Asian American vice president, Harris is breaking new ground in leading the running mate selection process for a presidential re-election campaign. The choice of running mate and the subsequent tour are critical steps as the Democratic Party gears up for the national convention in Chicago from August 19-22, 2024, and the general election on November 5, 2024.

The upcoming tour and running mate announcement underscore the importance of these battleground states in the electoral strategy. With Philadelphia as the starting point, the campaign recognizes Pennsylvania's crucial role as a swing state. The tour aims to solidify support and address key issues in these competitive regions, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched election.