Insiders have revealed how Kamala Harris is likely to choose her running mate and who will influence her decision.
The vice president and her nominee will embark on a tour of the major political parties next week, with stops in seven crucial states from Pennsylvania to Nevada.
The shortlist of candidates reportedly includes Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Suggestions have been received from all quarters, including former President Barack Obama, which will be considered, along with a thorough interview process. CNN defeated.
Harris’ decision to kick off the tour in Pennsylvania has fueled speculation that her VP could be Shapiro. Her team insists she is still deciding, but a tweet from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker appeared to confirm he was the choice.
Insiders have revealed how Kamala Harris will likely make the decision for her running mate and who will influence her decision
Part of that process included video interviews scheduled for Friday and Saturday, sources close to Harris told The New York Times.
Pages from documents submitted by each of the candidates have been compiled into briefing books by a group of lawyers led by former Attorney General Eric Holder and former White House counsel Dana Remus, CNN reports.
Harris is currently struggling with the team that will support her vice president, which has already been selected and includes a former Biden adviser.
Harris also relies on Obama, who reportedly called her to give his assessment.
But advice has come from all sides, including from her government chief of staff Lorraine Voles or her brother-in-law Tony West or campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon, who helped Biden choose Harris in 2020.
The influence of Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff is also greatly underestimated.
Harris reportedly appreciates the way she was welcomed into President Joe Biden’s family shortly after her election and understands the importance of making a personal connection, in addition to her usual pragmatic approach.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is said to be among the shortlist of candidates
He, along with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (left) and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (right), are said to have submitted reams of documents that were merged into briefing files for Harris.
“I’ve been following her relationship with Biden,” former Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond told CNN.
“You have to have someone who, first of all, shares the same values, but secondly, you have a good relationship with them. After all, they’re going to do their own thing and you have to trust that they know you.”
Harris also relies on public opinion, and has conducted polls and focus groups to take the temperature.
Several potential vice presidents had already cleared their schedules before the weekend in case Harris called.
They do everything they can to stay in the public eye until a decision is made.
Shapiro told eager voters in the Philadelphia suburbs earlier this week that he believes Harris belongs in the White House.
He also reminded those present of all his work as governor in the state at issue.
The vice president and her selectors will tour key states next week, from Pennsylvania to Nevada.
Former President Barack Obama reportedly called Harris to give his assessment and offer advice
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (left) and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (right) are reportedly among those expected to be called for video interviews with Harris.
Beshear told Georgia voters that Harris has the credentials to be “a great president” and highlighted the election he won as a Democrat.
However, Rep. Barbara Lee, a California Democrat and Harris ally, questioned whether this would have much impact on the final decision.
“I don’t think people talking publicly is going to move her from her fundamental decision-making process,” she told the NYT.
According to campaign sources who spoke to the Associated Press, Shapiro and Kelly are among the front-runners.
According to another person familiar with the matter, Harris is looking for someone with executive experience who can also serve as a board partner.