The selection will mark the beginning of a new phase in the campaign, with Harris aiming to sustain the momentum that has driven her bid forward. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump faces the challenge of adjusting to a race against a completely new opponent. The former President Trump has been on the defensive over his vice-presidential pick, Ohio Senator JD Vance.
According to sources familiar with the process, it was still unclear late Sunday whether Harris had made a final decision after a day of interviews with the finalists. The campaign intends to officially announce the choice via an online message to supporters ahead of a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday, where Harris is expected to make her first appearance with her chosen running mate.
Four years ago this week, Biden announced Harris as his running mate via text message and email to supporters on August 11, 2020. Harris aims to reveal her running mate in a similar fashion, according to aides. This approach is intended to build anticipation and expand her campaign list.
“I want you to be the first to know who I am selecting to serve alongside me as Vice President,” Harris wrote in a campaign email last week to supporters. “Add your name to this exclusive list of supporters who will be notified immediately when the news breaks.”
Harris conducted interviews with the three final contenders—Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona—and deliberated with her advisers in private for three consecutive days.
Various stakeholders within the Democratic Party have put forth their arguments on who would be the most electable candidate to run against Trump and who could help Harris maintain the positive momentum her campaign has enjoyed over the past two weeks.
Since President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid last month and endorsed Harris, she has secured the Democratic Party’s support and improved on Biden’s polling against Trump. A new CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday shows no clear leader between Harris and Trump among likely voters nationally. Previously, CBS News/YouGov polling had Biden trailing Trump by five points. Harris’ campaign is gaining momentum following Biden’s endorsement.
Harris’ candidacy has energized Democrats and donors, with her campaign raising $310 million in July compared to Trump’s $138.7 million. On Friday, the Democratic National Committee confirmed that Harris had secured enough delegate support to win the party’s nomination. This strong financial and delegate backing has bolstered her campaign significantly.
Last week, Harris’ campaign clarified that she no longer supports “Medicare for All” or a fracking ban. On Sunday, Republicans for Biden was relaunched to support Harris and appeal to Trump opponents and independents. The move aims to counter claims that she is a “San Francisco radical.”
Several observers have given opinion on various contenders. Former New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie said on ABC News that Harris needs to pick someone who is experienced in governance at ground level, preferring Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania.
Others like United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, whose union endorsed Harris said that he favors Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear applauding him for being pro labour, who remarkably has won a red state twice.
Nevertheless, Harris has to pick who she’s most comfortable with because it’s her running mate Fain added on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”
Trump Takes On a New Campaign Battle
As Harris prepares to select a running mate, the Trump campaign has struggled to reframe the narrative around her. Despite efforts to label Harris as “dangerously liberal,” Trump has instead targeted her racial identity, remarking that she “happened to turn Black” during a panel at the National Association of Black Journalists convention last week. Republicans have advised Trump to concentrate on policy issues rather than race or identity.
“Every day we’re talking about her heritage and not her terrible, dangerous liberal record throughout her entire political life, is a good day for her and a bad day for us,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and Trump ally, said on “Fox News Sunday.”
Adding that he would encourage Trump to prosecute a case against Harris for her bad judgement.
Trump has aimed to undermine the momentum Harris has gained since launching her campaign. “We have to work hard to define her, but I don’t even want to define her. I just want to say who she is. She’s a horror show,” Trump stated during a Saturday rally in Atlanta, while defending his running mate, Vance, who has faced criticism over past controversial comments.
Trump used the opportunity to criticize Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who had previously announced his lack of support for Trump in the GOP primary. Trump later attacked Kemp and his wife on Truth Social.
The rally followed a dispute over debate scheduling, with Trump initially agreeing to a September 10 ABC News debate but now stating he would only participate in a September 4 Fox News debate if Harris attended. Harris’ campaign has confirmed her attendance at the ABC event and criticized Trump’s shift in plans, with Harris noting, “I’ll be there on September 10th, as agreed. I hope to see him there.”
