5.08.2024 23:22
(Akt. 5.08.2024 23:30)
59-year-old wants to announce her decision soon ©APA/AFP
The Democratic US presidential candidate Kamala Harris is about to announce her vice presidential candidate for the election in November. The 59-year-old wants to announce her decision soon and will appear for the first time together with the new vice president on Tuesday evening (local time) at a campaign event in Philadelphia in the important swing state of Pennsylvania. The exact time of the announcement is not yet known.
Following the Democratic duo’s first joint appearance, a blitz campaign tour through the most politically contested US states is planned. In addition to Pennsylvania, these are Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada.
In the so-called swing states, it is not clear in advance whether the Republican or Democratic candidate will win, as is tradition. In addition to Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg are also being discussed as candidates for the vice presidential post.
According to insiders, however, Harris has narrowed her search to Shapiro or Walz, as three people familiar with the matter told the Reuters news agency on Monday. Observers see the selection as one of Harris’ most important decisions in the run-up to the presidential election on November 5: The vice-candidate should, in the best case, appeal to the electorate that is not so strongly attracted to Harris herself – a woman, a black person and a person of Asian descent. According to insiders, Harris’ shortlist therefore consisted exclusively of white men who are able to win over rural, white or independent voters.
Shapiro, 51, is a rising Democratic politician with high approval ratings in Pennsylvania. The state, with its 19 electoral votes, is seen as crucial for both Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump to win the election in November. Shapiro is a former attorney general. He would be the country’s first Jewish vice president. Shapiro is considered a strong supporter of Israel, which could turn off some voters but appeal to others.
Walz is an ex-soldier and former teacher. As a former congressman from a predominantly Republican district, the 60-year-old has proven that he appeals to rural, white voters, although as governor he also campaigned for free school meals and extended paid leave for workers. Minnesota is likely to go to the Democrats in the election. The state borders Wisconsin and Michigan, which are also decisive.
