Harris Approaches the Final Stage of Her Vice Presidential Selection Process with One Key Rule: Analysis

Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to reveal her running mate on Tuesday, but amidst all the commotion over who she’ll select, one principle remains the unwavering guideline for any vice presidential search: avoid causing damage.

Gossip is widespread about the three men rumored to be in the top tier of the vice presidential selection process: Governors Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. The search likely considers their various attractions, backgrounds, personal baggage, and potential electoral impact on Harris.

However, the extent to which a running mate benefits the top candidate is unclear, and the risks of selecting someone unprepared for a national campaign are significant, potentially making the absence of negatives more advantageous than any potential positives a contender might offer.

“Ultimately, the most pragmatic approach is to avoid causing harm,” expressed former Senator Doug Jones, D-Ala., an ally of Harris.

“Who governs which state? Who serves as senator from what state? What do they bring? There’s a wealth of public information about the other factors to consider. However, the thorough examination is crucial to ensure that an individual meets the other criteria, with the aim of bringing value at best, or being neutral at worst, as you undoubtedly do not want someone to drag down the ticket,” he further added.

The potential candidates for Harris’ selection have been showcasing their qualifications for days, making appearances on various media platforms, endorsing the vice president, and criticizing former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance, his running mate. Last weekend, some were interviewed in person at Harris’ residence in Washington.

Among Shapiro, Walz, and Kelly, each brings their own advantages.

Shapiro is a rising figure and a popular governor of the key swing state. Walz brings a progressive track record and the charming appeal of a white-haired Midwesterner, coupled with extensive experience in Washington, the military, and public education. Kelly touts an impressive background as a war veteran and former astronaut from a pivotal state, married to a survivor of political violence.

Each of them also comes with weaknesses.

Shapiro has faced criticism from progressives for his positions on Israel, school vouchers, and handling of a sexual misconduct allegation against a staff member in his governor’s office. Walz risks fueling attacks on Harris as a “California liberal” due to his own policy history. And Kelly is not known for delivering a powerful speech on the campaign trail.

Democrats maintain that they are content with their options, asserting that any of the top candidates would be beneficial additions to Harris’ campaign.

“The stakes are high. However, thankfully, all three of her finalists are exceptional and would serve us well,” stated Democratic strategist David Brand, who collaborates with members of Harris’ team and expressed support for Shapiro in a personal capacity.

Nevertheless, various factors will be considered, and drawbacks will be weighed against advantages.

“There appears to be some baggage surrounding him, but again, I believe that is outweighed by the potential, if she selects him, to help secure Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes. That is not insignificant,” remarked one Democratic pollster, using Shapiro as an example.

Harris “has one goal when it comes to this campaign, and that is winning the election,” the individual added. “She will allow that filter and calculation to be the sole consideration in her mind when she decides whom to choose. And you can be sure that whoever she picks, she selected because she believed that person would help her win the election. Nothing else.”