Kamala Harris Begins Vetting for Vice Presidential Candidates Amid Tight Timeline

Vice President Kamala Harris has started evaluating a dozen potential running mates for her presidential campaign. The process is under a tight schedule due to President Biden's decision to step aside, with the Democratic National Convention rapidly approaching. Harris seeks to maintain a calm selection process while boosting confidence within her party.

Vice President Kamala Harris has initiated the vetting process for approximately a dozen potential candidates to join her on the presidential ticket, according to two sources familiar with the matter. This move comes as she navigates a pivotal decision for her newly announced presidential campaign.

Harris launched her candidacy on Sunday following President Joe Biden's decision to step aside, creating a compressed timeline for selecting a running mate before next month's Democratic National Convention. The party could nominate her as soon as August 1 via a virtual vote, with the formalization of her running mate's nomination shortly thereafter.

According to insiders, Harris aims to manage the process without drama, presenting a confident front amid recent turbulence within the Democratic Party. While much of the speculation has focused on four prominent figures — Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper — her team is reviewing information from around a dozen officials, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Eric Holder, former U.S. Attorney General, and a team of lawyers at Covington & Burling are spearheading the vetting process. Prospective candidates are typically required to provide financial records, political history, and participate in interviews to uncover any potential issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)