As Kamala Harris nears a decision on her running mate, she is reportedly considering two candidates from key swing states.
According to a report by the New York Post on Saturday, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly have emerged as the leading contenders for Kamala Harris’s running mate. Shapiro appears to have an edge due to his high approval rating.
“Shapiro is toward the top,” one source told the Post. “Locking down Pennsylvania would change the entire trajectory of the race.”
Kelly’s strengths include his background as a former astronaut and Navy veteran, as well as his reputation for a “moderate” voting record. Additionally, Kelly is married to former Democratic Representative Gabby Giffords, who survived a severe injury after being shot in the head during an assassination attempt in January 2011 outside a Safeway in Casas Adobes, Arizona.
In an interview with the Post, Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Arizona Senator John McCain, praised Kelly, describing him as a ‘dangerous’ opponent for the GOP.
“He and his wife Gabby are very well-liked and respected in Arizona. His military and NASA background is obviously very compelling and inspirational. He is a dangerous choice for Republicans,” she stated.
However, both Shapiro and Kelly have notable vulnerabilities. As we already reported earlier today Shapiro faces accusations of sexism and allegations of covering up sexual harassment.
The scandal centers around a woman who accused Mike Vereb, Shapiro’s legislative liaison, of sexual harassment. Shapiro’s office attempted to resolve the issue by reaching a $295,000 settlement with her.
Shapiro is also facing allegations that he received campaign funds through an illegal scheme involving the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) during his 2022 gubernatorial campaign.
The Freedom Foundation, a conservative think tank, claims that the PSEA made two contributions totaling approximately $1.5 million from its general treasury to the Fund for Student Success (FSS). The organization contends that the FSS functions as a political fund controlled by the PSEA.
According to reports, the PSEA then allegedly transferred the funds to the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), which subsequently donated to Shapiro’s gubernatorial campaign.
Senator Kelly also has significant weaknesses. Although he is seen as more ‘moderate’ and ‘electable’ compared to Harris, he is one of the leading advocates for gun control in the U.S.
Additionally, he has backed eliminating the Senate filibuster to advance a far-left policy wishlist, which includes weakening election integrity laws.
Kelly is also accused of Chinese communist ties. The Arizona senator previously established a surveillance balloon company that was funded by a Chinese venture capitalist.
The Tucson-based company, World View, received funding from Tencent, one of China’s largest tech companies. This funding occurred in both 2013 and 2016.
When Tencent invested in World View, the company was primarily focused on space tourism.
This news is particularly troubling given last year’s episode when a Chinese spy balloon lingered over the U.S. for days before being shot down. How much sensitive intelligence was collected before the balloon was destroyed in the Atlantic Ocean remains unclear.
Regardless of who Harris ultimately selects as her running mate, there are concerns that America could resemble a corrupt system where allies are rewarded and their crimes are overlooked. Meanwhile, conservatives may face persecution for unfounded charges and harassment for opposing a Harris administration.
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