The Harris campaign is reportedly preparing for the worst as Democratic factions jockey for influence over Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice of running mate.
The Democratic Party, once united and passionate, is now said to be in disunity and confusion. Behind Closed DoorsThe divide centers around Harris’ choice of running mate, with many hoping she picks a more moderate Democrat while others want her to choose a candidate more ideologically far to the left.
Pro-Israel Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania is opposed by the far left, but Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota is supported by the more radical wing. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona seems to be seen as the safest choice, but is also the least liked by his base. Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky seems to be the compromise candidate.
Harris is reportedly set to announce her decision by Wednesday. Whoever she chooses, some in the party will be forced to accept the choice. Concerns According to the ongoing “cracks” The New York Times:
The competitive and divisive primary that many Democrats had long hoped to avoid arrived anyway, with the fight for the lowest-ranking candidate playing out largely behind closed doors.
The final stages of the campaign to select Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate recently took a somewhat ugly turn, with donors, interest groups and political opponents on the moderate and progressive flanks of the party lobbying for their preferred candidates and circulating memos outlining the candidates’ political weaknesses among key demographics.
The discord comes as Harris faces pressure from radical allies to maintain her extreme stances heading into November. Last week, anonymous Harris campaign officials sought to walk back at least four far-left policies that she has supported, outlined below:
As one of the nation’s most liberal senators in 2019, Harris must contend with radical allies to win over independents in the so-called “blue wall” states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, but the left is adamant that she should carry her policies into the general election. cause The party’s divisions over the vice presidential candidate have deepened.
Harris’ campaign vowed Monday to try to appease all sides of the party, but it’s unclear whether the left can reach agreement on the many radical issues it says Harris should champion, including:
Harris has not given a single substantial interview since the party selected her as its nominee several weeks ago (officially announced Friday), in a clear sign that she is trying to straddle the party’s various positions. She has also signaled concerns about answering questions about her radical record, suggesting that she may run a campaign more similar to that of President Joe Biden, who has held few solo press conferences and rarely given live interviews.
Harris can’t avoid the questions forever. Republicans are quickly positioning her as a radical Democrat who will shift policy around, said a second Democratic strategist. “Republicans need to get Harris out there soon, because they can’t let this become part of public opinion,” this person said. “It’s the best it can be, but it’s going to end soon, and then what happens?”
For more on Harris’ radical record, see here.
