Kamala Harris veep selection enters final stage, two leaders interviewed

US presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris's vetting team has met privately with two top contenders to be her running mate -- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, according to reports. With just four days until she’s scheduled to campaign with her pick, Harris's search for a "governing partner" has entered the final stages.

The only other candidate still in consideration is Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz, reported Yahoo News.

Vice President Kamala Harris will hold her first rally with her new vice presidential nominee on August 6 in Philadelphia, according to sources.

The location suggests Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has moved to the top of a short list of running mates, and that the Harris campaign had decided the state that Democrats won back from Republicans in 2020 is a must-win once again.

Harris's aides emphasise that no conclusions should be drawn from these meetings or the location of her first public appearance with her VP choice next Tuesday in Philadelphia.

Her campaign aides have said that she wants a “governing partner” who can hit the ground running on day one and has some executive experience, reported Politico.

Kamala Harris's team is also prioritising geography and the ability to counter attacks from former President Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance.

The team has insisted that the vice president has not yet finalised her running mate.

IS JOSH SHAPIRO AHEAD IN THE RACE?

The chances of Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania, seem to have improved with the announcement that Harris’ first appearance with her running mate would be at a rally in Philadelphia. He has been a strong supporter of Harris's campaign, actively lobbying for her across Pennsylvania.

Mark Kelly, Senator of Arizona, representing another crucial swing state, is also a strong contender.

However, according to Bloomberg, labour groups have expressed concerns about him, claiming he is not sufficiently supportive of the trade union movement. This could be problematic for Harris, who aims to attract Biden’s union supporters.

HARRIS'S FINAL DECISION ON RUNNING MATE STILL PENDING

Harris' vetting team's meetings with Shapiro and Kelly, noted that Harris plans to meet personally with the finalists. It also clarified that advancing in the process does not guarantee selection, Politico reported.

Harris is taking her time with the decision, aware that the outcome of the 2024 presidential election may depend on choosing the right partner.

Harris, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, has already faced racist and sexist attacks.

As Harris navigates this critical decision, she faces ongoing attacks from Trump, who has questioned her racial identity.

Indian-American Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy has also criticised Harris for using her Indian roots selectively.

Harris has firmly countered these attacks, emphasising her mixed heritage and her commitment to racial progress.

The selection of a running mate will be a pivotal moment in Harris's campaign, with the potential to significantly impact her chances of winning the presidency.

If she wins the election, she will become the first woman President of the United States.