Kamala Harris is looking for a vice presidential candidate. She has much less time than usual to do it – about two weeks. The right candidate can help win key states and convince undecided voters. The shortlist still includes former astronaut, now senator from Arizona Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
– She is the most incompetent and unpopular vice president in American history. Probably the most left-wing – said former President of the United States Donald Trump about Kamala Harris. – Donald Trump resorts to lying about my achievements. It's just weird – commented Vice President Harris.
Trump still wants to attend outdoor rallies despite security warnings
Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are targeting key battleground states that could decide the election. The former president is planning to return to Pennsylvania, where he was shot a few weeks ago, and despite warnings from law enforcement, he still wants to hold outdoor rallies. His calls for unity and respect are gone.
– They're trying to make Kamala Harris into Margaret Thatcher. It's not going to happen. Margaret Thatcher didn't have that kind of laugh – said Donald Trump.
Kamala Harris visited Georgia for the sixth time on July 30 and spoke about the successes she has achieved in just a few days. The Democrat has already raised $200 million for her campaign and hired about 170,000 new volunteers.
A massive virtual fundraising campaign called “White Guys for Harris,” which featured Hollywood actors including Mark Ruffalo, also added $4 million to Harris’ campaign. The vice president is also gaining more trust among Americans with each passing day, according to a July 28 ABC/Ipsos poll.
Poll for ABC/Ipsos
Kamala Harris is now viewed favorably by 43 percent of respondents. The same number are unfavorable. Just last week, only 35 percent of respondents had a favorable opinion of the Democrat, and 46 percent had an unfavorable opinion. By comparison, Donald Trump received 36 percent favorable and 52 percent unfavorable ratings.
“We have a tough fight ahead of us. We are considered the underdog in this race, but this is a people-driven campaign and we have good momentum,” Kamala Harris said.
Former astronaut and governors shortlisted
Kamala Harris, despite having no real competitors, is still not yet the official Democratic presidential candidate. Despite this, the eyes of not only party leaders but also voters are now on her potential vice presidential candidates.
On July 29, the list of potential vice presidential candidates was shortened by two names: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper admitted that it was not the right time for him, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer confirmed that she had not participated in the vetting of potential candidates.
– Previously, selecting such a person took about two months. Now it has to be done in two weeks. This means an intensive search, but the list of candidates is shrinking – said Democratic Senator from Virginia Tim Kaine.
The names that remain on the list include former astronaut and now Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
“Vice President Harris has been battle-tested. She is ready to be not only our party's candidate, but most importantly, the 47th president of the United States of America,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Is JD Vance harming Trump's candidacy?
However, there are increasingly voices from the United States that Donald Trump did not think his vice presidential candidate through very well. In recent days, JD Vance has been criticized after the American media recalled his 2021 interview in which he called Kamala Harris a “childless cat lady.” Doubts are also constantly being raised about his sudden change of views.
Michał Sznajder on JD Vance's views TVN24
“I see him now as a chameleon, someone who is willing to change his positions and values if he is given power and money. This is not someone who has changed his views on one or two issues. He has changed his views on literally every issue that affects ordinary Americans,” says Sofia Nelson, a former classmate of JD Vance's from college.
Many Republicans, anonymously, in conversations with American media admitted that JD Vance, rather than helping, could potentially harm Donald Trump's candidacy. The former president defends his decision, however, and emphasizes that he would choose him as vice president again today.
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Main image source: PAP/EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS