Harris narrows VP pick to two: Walz and Shapiro in the final race
Three sources cited by the Reuters agency have reported that the list of candidates for U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has been narrowed down to two names: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Harris is expected to announce her decision on Tuesday during a rally.
A Democratic representative stated on Monday that she has not yet decided on her potential running mate.
"I know many of you are eager to find out who I will be selecting to join me on the campaign trail, and hopefully in the White House, as my Vice President," said Harris.
"Though I have not made my decision yet, it is important to me that grassroots supporters - like you - have direct updates about the state of the race," she announced, addressing Democratic Party voters.
First Jewish vice president?
According to observers of the American political scene, 51-year-old Josh Shapiro is a rising star of the Democrats. The current governor of Pennsylvania, part of the so-called swing states - states where the two main parties win by a narrow margin - enjoys significant popularity in this part of the country.
Reuters emphasised that the selection of "a former state attorney general, Shapiro would add to the ticket's historical significance; he would be the country's first Jewish vice president, while Harris is seeking to become the first Black and South Asian American woman elected U.S. president."
However, Shapiro's support for Israel's policies, which the left wing of the Democratic Party views as policies of genocide and discrimination against Palestinians, could deter some voters with different views from supporting Harris.
Liberal popular among Republicans
60-year-old Tim Walz is a former National Guard soldier and teacher. In recent weeks, the Minnesota governor has gained recognition among Democratic voters as a staunch supporter of Harris. Walz, a former congressman from a district where Republicans enjoy significant support, has become an attractive choice for white rural voters.
Although Minnesota is a state where the Democratic Party performs well, it is close to Wisconsin and Michigan, which are traditionally sceptical of Democrats.
Choosing Walz could be a gesture towards the electorate consisting of people who are undecided or declare moderate views, potentially alienated by the unpredictability attributed to Republican candidate Donald Trump—American analysts and the media have emphasised this in recent days.
On Tuesday evening, Kamala Harris is expected to make her first public appearance with her "running mate," the candidate for U.S. vice president in the next administration, at Temple University in Philadelphia.
