Top contenders for Harris’ VP pick infographic
Graphic shows top contenders to be Kamala Harris’ VP pick and likely swing states in November election.
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POLITICS

Top contenders for Kamala Harris’ VP pick

By Phil Bainbridge

August 5, 2024 - Democratic nominee Kamala Harris must decide whether to pick a VP candidate who can appeal to parts of electorate she doesn’t reach or focus on one who can help her govern if she wins in November.

With the Democratic presidential nomination now settled, Harris has been talking to three leading contenders to be her running mate for Vice President, with two other candidates still in the running.

Former Navy pilot and NASA astronaut, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona has the ideal profile to win over independent and even conservative voters, having won the seat vacated by former Republican presidential candidate John McCain - and with the support of McCain’s widow - after he died. He has been strong on border control but also on gun safety - his wife survived an assassination attempt. He also brings with him a wealth of potential donors, having raised $200m in his two campaigns for Senate in 2020 and 2022, and could help carry crucial swing states.

Progressives’ favourite, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, has a strong record of progressive policies in his home state, but as a former member of the NRA can also talk to Second Amendment supporters. His 12 years in Congress has given him plenty of executive experience and he is well-backed by labour, but he lacks national name recognition.

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, another key swing state, could also help moderate Harris’ image among independent voters in the rust belt, with one of the highest favourability ratings among swing state Democrats. As an observant Jew he is comfortable talking faith in a way many other potential nominees are not, but his pro-Israel stance, while popular in some quarters, could also turn off young and Muslim voters.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 05/08/2024; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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