Vice President Kamala Harris is facing a crucial week as she must choose her running mate while also trying to maintain the early momentum of her campaign. Despite the pressure of making this decision in a compressed timeframe, Harris and her running mate plan to launch an aggressive seven-state battleground tour beginning in Philadelphia. The rallies have attracted enthusiastic crowds, allowing the campaign to put several states back in play that were previously considered out of reach.
As Harris prepares for key decisions, including her vice presidential pick, she faces new tests as she transitions from advocating for President Joe Biden’s positions to staking out her own positions on various political controversies. Her message is becoming clearer, with a focus on freedom and a contrast between her prosecutorial background and President Donald Trump’s record. Trump is working to define Harris as a San Francisco liberal, questioning her intelligence and identity. Harris plans to target key battleground states in the coming week, focusing on Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Campaign officials are working to capitalize on the enthusiasm around Harris, translating it into action as they engage with voters through phone calls, door-to-door interactions, and online events. The campaign has seen significant engagement from volunteers, with millions of calls made and doors knocked on in battleground states. Harris is currently interviewing potential running mates, with a list of white men that includes governors, a senator, and a Cabinet official. Various Democratic constituencies are lobbying for different candidates based on geographic considerations and voter sentiment.
Harris is set to become the Democratic nominee on Monday when online balloting among delegates concludes. The event on Friday, which announced Harris had secured enough delegates, experienced technical difficulties, highlighting the challenges of running a start-up campaign. A debate between Harris and Trump is yet to be confirmed, with disagreements over the date and location. Despite the uncertainties, the momentum around the Harris campaign remains strong as they continue to focus on engaging with voters and building support in key battleground states.
Overall, the Harris campaign is facing a critical phase as they navigate key decisions, engage with voters, and prepare for the upcoming election. Harris’s choice of running mate and the messaging around her campaign will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the election. With momentum building and support from volunteers, the campaign is working to capitalize on the energy surrounding Harris to drive action and engagement among voters. As the campaign progresses, Harris will need to solidify her positions on key issues and continue to contrast herself with Trump to appeal to a wide range of voters.