Kamala Harris' search for a running mate is faltering as her shortlist faces mounting issues, leaving her with increasingly problematic options and little time to find a viable candidate.
Kamala Harris' search for a running mate is facing significant challenges. Harris had initially narrowed her options to a select group, including several governors, one U.S. senator, and a Biden Cabinet member. However, these choices have proven problematic, leaving her with limited options and little time to broaden her search.
Of the five governors initially on Harris' shortlist, two have already requested to be removed from consideration. U.S. Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona has been effectively disqualified due to revelations of his close business ties with a Chinese spy balloon company.
The remaining governors are from Kentucky, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania governor is currently embroiled in a staff sex scandal and has faced criticism for his silence on the matter. Additionally, his strong defense of Israel could alienate voters in battleground states like Michigan. The Kentucky governor is considered a poor electoral fit, as Harris is unlikely to win the state. Selecting him would be a significant miscalculation.
The Minnesota governor might be seen as a bad strategic choice to shore up support in a very blue state. However, this pick could draw attention to Harris' controversial role in raising funds to bail out violent criminals during the Minnesota race riots, potentially complicating her campaign further.
This leaves Pete Buttigieg, the widely criticized Secretary of Transportation, as the last remaining option. Choosing Buttigieg could tie Harris more closely to the unpopular Biden administration and its troubled project rollouts. Buitigieg was given $7.5 Billion by Congress to build electric car charging stations with only a handful having been built.
With only a week left to make a decision, Harris faces the likelihood of having to settle for a flawed choice from her remaining shortlist.
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