Harris set to announce VP pick: Walz or Shapiro in final two
Three sources cited by the Reuters agency reported that the list of candidates for U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has narrowed down to two names: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Harris is expected to announce her decision on Tuesday during a rally.
A Democratic representative stated on Monday that she has not yet decided on her potential running mate.
- I know many of you are eagerly waiting to see whom I will choose to join me in the campaign and - hopefully, in the White House - as my vice president - said Harris. - While I have not yet made a decision, it's important to me that all my supporters - people like you - have direct information about the state of this race - she announced, addressing Democratic Party voters.
First Jewish vice president?
According to observers of the American political scene 51-year-old Josh Shapiro is a rising star of the Democrats. The current governor of Pennsylvania, part of the so-called swing states - states where the two main parties win by a narrow margin - enjoys significant popularity in this part of the country.
Reuters emphasized that the selection of "former Pennsylvania Attorney General Shapiro would have historical significance because he would be the first Jewish vice president of the country, while Harris is striving to become the first African American woman of South Asian descent elected to the office of head of state."
However, Shapiro's support for Israel's policies, which the left wing of the Democratic Party views as policies of genocide and discrimination against Palestinians, could deter some voters with different views from supporting Harris.
Nevertheless, support from the Pennsylvania electorate could prove crucial to her victory nationwide - noted Reuters.
Liberal popular among Republicans
60-year-old Tim Walz is a former National Guard soldier and teacher. In recent weeks, the Minnesota governor has gained recognition among Democratic voters as a staunch supporter of Harris. Walz, a former congressman from a district where Republicans enjoy significant support, has become an attractive choice for white rural voters.
Although as governor he advocated for liberal policies. He strongly supports free school meals and extended paid family leave - emphasized the agency.
Although Minnesota is a state where the Democratic Party performs well, it is close to Wisconsin and Michigan, traditionally skeptical of Democrats.
Choosing Walz could be a gesture towards the electorate consisting of people who are undecided or declare moderate views, potentially alienated by the unpredictability attributed to Republican candidate Donald Trump - American analysts and media have emphasized in recent days.
On Tuesday evening Eastern Time, Kamala Harris is expected to make her first public appearance with her "running mate," the candidate for U.S. vice president in the next administration, at Temple University in Philadelphia.
