Kamala Harris starts selecting running mate, says campaign manager
Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, has kicked off the important process of selecting a running mate for her potential bid for the nation’s 47th presidency. This revelation was made by her campaign manager, Julie Chávez RodrÃguez, in an exclusive interview with CBS News in Arizona on Friday.
RodrÃguez emphasized the significance of this decision, stating that it is one of the most crucial decisions that Harris will make during her presidential candidacy. She further confirmed that Harris has already begun the process of narrowing down her list of potential vice presidential nominees.
The campaign team expressed their excitement about witnessing Harris undergo this meticulous process of selecting a Democrat to join her 2024 ticket. RodrÃguez described the effort as being thorough and essential, highlighting the gravity of the decision-making process ahead.
Looking ahead, Rodriguez stated, “As a campaign, we’ll get ready to gear up to have an extremely strong ticket in the coming weeks.”
CBS News had previously reported that the Harris campaign has been considering approximately a dozen potential vice presidential picks. Among these contenders are noteworthy figures such as Democratic Governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
When asked about Senator Kelly’s potential as a vice presidential nominee, RodrÃguez refrained from confirming his inclusion in the list, stating, “I’m not going to get ahead of the vice president.” Kelly, a former NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy pilot, is perceived as a moderate Democrat in Congress and would bring a crucial perspective to Harris’ ticket.
Arizona Senator Kelly’s consideration as a potential running mate is significant due to his representation of a politically competitive border state. Arizona witnessed crucial Democratic victories in recent years, most notably with President Biden winning the state in 2020. However, polling data prior to his withdrawal from the race showed Trump leading in Arizona this year.
Sources close to the Harris campaign have revealed that the vice-presidential nominee selection process will conclude by August 7th, setting the stage for an imperative decision that will shape the trajectory of the 2024 presidential campaign.
Arizona holds strategic importance in the upcoming presidential election, alongside Midwestern states constituting the “blue wall.” As a pivotal state in the Sunbelt region, Arizona’s significance cannot be overstated. President Biden’s narrow victory in 2020 marked a significant shift, making Arizona a critical battleground state once again.
When questioned about Harris’ prospects of winning Arizona, RodrÃguez expressed confidence in the Vice President’s appeal to key voter constituencies in the state. Young people, Latinos, women, and Native Americans are among the demographic groups where Harris’s message resonates strongly.
Reproductive rights emerged as a key issue in the Arizona political landscape, with a proposed amendment aimed at safeguarding abortion access in the state. RodrÃguez highlighted Harris’s proactive stance on this issue, describing it as politically potent and potentially pivotal in the upcoming election.
The intersection of reproductive rights and Harris’s advocacy underscores the Vice President’s commitment to engaging with critical issues affecting Arizona voters and the broader American electorate.
