WASHINGTON — Democrats have rallied quickly around Vice President Kamala Harris as she takes the lead in the party’s ticket for the upcoming November presidential election.
However, the selection of a running mate presents a different challenge.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly have emerged as potential candidates, although both have faced criticism from activists and organizations that typically support Democratic initiatives.
Harris’ team confirmed she is interviewing six potential candidates over the weekend, with an announcement anticipated on Monday. Following this, Harris and her chosen running mate will participate together in a rally in Philadelphia, visiting six additional swing states thereafter.
In addition to Shapiro and Kelly, rumored contenders for the vice presidential slot include Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Congressional Democrats have endorsed Kelly, a former Navy pilot and astronaut, arguing that his selection would counter criticisms from former President Donald Trump regarding the Biden administration’s immigration policy.
Shapiro has garnered high-profile endorsements, notably from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who recently posted a video featuring Philadelphia officials supporting Harris while also promoting Shapiro, hinting at insider knowledge regarding her choice.
Sources indicate that the video reflected Parker’s support for both candidates rather than a specific endorsement from her.
As Harris finalizes her decision, vocal opposition to both Kelly and Shapiro has intensified among some party members. This signals a potential shift as the initial support for Harris among various Democratic factions may be waning since President Biden’s endorsement of her campaign.
Labor organizations have criticized Kelly for his stance against legislation intended to promote union organizing. Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, stated that, despite backing Harris, his union does not support Kelly as a running mate. Similarly, Shapiro has faced backlash for his previous collaboration with Republicans on issues like school voucher programs.
Fain did, however, express support for other candidates including Beshear, Walz, and Pritzker.
“She’s probably got a thousand people telling her the same thing about what they think,” Fain noted. “Ultimately, the decision will come down to what she feels is best.”
The Institute for Middle East Understanding declared that Shapiro “is not the right candidate for the job, and selecting him would be a step in the wrong direction.”
Shapiro is expected to attend Harris’ rally in Philadelphia, where he has been vocal about confronting antisemitism that has arisen from pro-Palestinian demonstrations. He has demonstrated solidarity with Israel amid its military actions in Gaza, calling for a decisive stance against Hamas.
In response to criticism, Shapiro has met with Muslim Americans to acknowledge their concerns while asserting his positions regarding Israel and the ongoing conflict.
Progressive activist groups, meanwhile, have signaled alarm regarding Shapiro’s views on various issues, suggesting that his candidacy could alienate key demographics essential for a successful campaign.
In a retrospective analysis, an opinion piece penned by Shapiro as a young college student has resurfaced, revealing his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which he claims have evolved since then.
Amidst this scrutiny, environmental campaigners from Dimock, Pennsylvania, criticized Shapiro, presenting a letter to Harris urging her not to select him due to unmet promises regarding environmental clean-up in the region.
Shapiro’s candidacy continues to spark significant discussion as Harris inches closer to her decision on a running mate, emphasizing the complexities of navigating party dynamics in the lead-up to the election.
