Vice President Kamala Harris' search for a running mate is nearing its conclusion, sparking division among Democrats over the ideal candidate to join her on the party ticket.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is a leading contender, with Harris conducting interviews with several finalists on Sunday. The announcement of her running mate is expected to be made at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday, marking their first public appearance together.
Among the three contenders Harris spoke to on Sunday were Shapiro, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona. The Democratic Party remains split on who would best complement Harris and help sustain her campaign momentum leading up to Election Day.
Harris has shown improvement in polling compared to President Biden, with most polls indicating a tight race against Trump.
The campaign plans to reveal Harris' running mate through an online message to supporters, a method similar to Biden's announcement of Harris as his running mate four years ago.
The diverse range of candidates under consideration reflects Harris' awareness of the need to appeal to moderate voters, given her progressive Senate voting record.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie emphasized the importance of Harris selecting a more moderate running mate with substantial governing experience at the grassroots level.
Christie advocated for Shapiro, citing his suitability for the role and potential advantage in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state. In contrast, Walz's Minnesota leans reliably Democratic.
However, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania cautioned against choosing Shapiro, expressing concerns about his perceived focus on personal ambitions rather than the collective goal.
Reports suggest tensions between Harris and Shapiro stemming from past interactions in Pennsylvania state politics.
