Kamala Harris builds VP shortlist as Biden steps down for 2024 election
28 July 2024 17:08
Kamala Harris, a potential Democratic candidate in the upcoming November presidential elections in the US, is considering three individuals for the vice president position. The final decision is to be made by 7 August.
81-year-old Joe Biden, who has held the office of head of state since January 2021, announced on 21 July that he will not seek a second presidential term. According to most political commentators, the favourite for the Democratic nomination is Vice President Kamala Harris.
According to information revealed by Bloomberg, the "shortlist" of potential vice-presidential candidates for Harris includes: Senator from Arizona Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Josh Shapiro, a popular governor of one of the most important "swing states," meaning states where the election outcome is not predetermined, is also a talented speaker and achieves good results in rural areas, which is rare in the Democratic Party. Tim Walz, a former teacher and soldier, could make it difficult for Trump to win in Minnesota.
On the other hand, Mark Kelly, a senator from Arizona, presents a firmer stance on limiting immigration than current President Joe Biden. His wife and former Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords, advocates for tightening regulations on citizens' access to firearms, explained the agency.
Politicians from the "shortlist" have a lot in common
Bloomberg points out that all three candidates are white men with centrist views. They could help Harris gain the support of voters from "swing states" and the backing of big business, including potential sponsors. Kelly, Shapiro, and Walz also have experience in criticising Trump's actions and his unconventional political style.
According to the latest polls, conducted among others on behalf of the "New York Times" and "Wall Street Journal," Trump's lead over Harris is only 1-2 percent and falls within the margin of error.
"I know types like Donald Trump"
The theme of Kamala Harris's campaign before the US presidential election will be "prosecutor versus criminal," the New York Times wrote on Tuesday. Harris was California's Attorney General, and Donald Trump has been convicted in cases involving 34 serious crimes, the newspaper reminded.
Harris has already signalled that she will use the contrast between her accomplishments as a prosecutor and the convictions and charges against Trump. On Monday, she said that she prosecuted criminals as a former district attorney and state attorney general. "So believe me when I say, I know types like Donald Trump," Harris emphasised.
