As the election campaign in the United States heats up, Kamala Harris is likely to hold her first rally with the vice presidential nominee in Philadelphia on Tuesday as she begins her tour next week. Harris will be announcing her VP pick soon before August 7.
Harris and her VP pick will travel to six other key locations including western Wisconsin, Detroit and Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, Nevada, North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia and Michigan.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, 51, is projected as the likely pick among other top candidates considered for the post. Other top candidates on Harris' shortlist include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
1. Shapiro is a popular figure and has a track record of winning big in Pennsylvania. As a candidate for attorney general, he was one of the few Democrats to statewide in 2016. He also got more votes than President Joe Biden in 2020. Reportedly, he outran Biden by 10 or more points in more than half of the state's 67 counties.
2. Pennsylvania swing state is very crucial for Democrats. It is a must-win state and picking Shapiro gives the party an edge. Also, Shapiro is quite popular in other crucial swing states including Michigan and Arizona. The location of the rally itself hints at Shapiro being the likely pick.
3. Shapiro's stock among Democrats rose after he defeated his Republican opponent for governor, Doug Mastriano, in 2022, winning over 56 per cent of the vote in a state known for tight elections.
4. Shapiro, who is Jewish, is considered a centrist while Harris is widely known for her 'left-liberal' views.
5. Shapiro’s style of leadership has earned bipartisan. He can also appeal to the middle with his record as a moderate governor who is well-regarded by both independent voters and working-class Democrats who might otherwise consider voting for Trump.
It should also be noted that the assassination attempt of former US president and Republican candidate Donald Trump took place during a Pennsylvania rally in Butler.
While delivering a testimonial about Harris in Philadelphia, Shapiro said, “She’s not only ready, she’s damned ready...And you know who else knows she’s ready? Donald Trump knows she's ready."
