Kamala Harris to Interview Six Potential Vice President Picks

Vice President Kamala Harris is interviewing six potential running mates this weekend. A formal announcement and a battleground tour with her new No. 2 are scheduled for next week. The list includes Governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Tim Walz of Minnesota. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also being considered, according to two people familiar with Harris's selection process.

President Joe Biden mentioned on Friday that he has discussed the vice-presidential search with Harris. However, he refrained from giving specific advice on what qualities she should seek in a running mate. "I'll let her work that out," Biden said before leaving for Wilmington, Delaware, for the weekend.

Potential Candidates and Campaign Adjustments

Some candidates on Harris's shortlist have abruptly changed their plans this weekend, hinting at developments in the selection process. For instance, Josh Shapiro cancelled three fundraisers in Long Island, New York. His press secretary, Manuel Bonder, stated, "His schedule has changed and he is no longer traveling to the Hamptons this weekend."

Shapiro and Kelly were seen as front-runners during the shortened selection process, which initially vetted about twelve names. Some candidates have publicly withdrawn from consideration. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper expressed concerns about frequent travel if he joined the national Democratic ticket.

Public Support and Speculations

A video posted by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker on social media stirred speculation on Friday. It featured Philadelphia-area officials and Democrats promoting Harris for president while also supporting Shapiro for vice president. This led some to believe Parker might have inside information about Harris's decision.

However, a person familiar with Parker's thinking clarified that the video was merely an expression of support for both Harris and Shapiro. The individual spoke anonymously.

Harris's deadline for selecting a running mate is effectively Tuesday when she will start a tour of seven key battleground states beginning in Philadelphia.

Michael Kempner, a member of President Biden’s national finance committee, was supposed to host one of Shapiro's fundraisers. Kempner informed invitees that the event had been postponed and openly supported Shapiro as Harris's No. 2. He wrote that "many are speculating that this is a sign he will be the vice president."

The individuals discussing Harris's selection process were granted anonymity to speak about private campaign deliberations.

As Harris continues her search for a vice-presidential candidate, all eyes are on her upcoming announcement and tour. The political landscape may soon see significant changes based on her final decision.