Speculation is abound as Vice President Kamala Harris approaches her decision on a running mate for the upcoming election. With Joe Biden stepping aside to endorse Harris, the attention has intensified on who will join her on the Democratic ticket.

Among the array of potential candidates, a surprising contender has emerged: Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. In an interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, Buttigieg expressed his unequivocal support for Harris, after the historic nature of Biden’s decision to step down.

“We had a great conversation,” Buttigieg said. “You know, I have campaigned alongside her. I have traveled with her. I have served with her. And she’s going to be an extraordinary leader for the ticket, for the party, and for the country as president.” When questioned directly about his willingness to serve as Vice President if asked, Buttigieg maintained a diplomatic stance.

“She’s going to make that decision. She’s going to do it based on what’s best for the country, best for the party, and best for the ticket. I will do everything in my power to make sure that she is the next president because it’s so important and it’s really most of all important in terms of how everyday life is going to change,” he said, leaving the door open to the possibility without overtly asserting his ambition.

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As the Democratic National Convention approaches, all eyes will be on Harris’ choice, a decision that will influence the party’s trajectory leading up to November. Harris has several potential vice presidential candidates to choose from. These include Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of Transportation, and Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI). Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) are also strong contenders.

Stacey Abrams, known for her voting rights activism, and Gavin Newsom (D-CA), are on the list as well. Other potential picks are Senator Val Demings (D-FL), Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Governor Tim Walz (D-MN).

Harris’s ambitions of becoming president have started since 2020. In the previous election cycle, Harris sought to harness the momentum from her notable interrogations during Senate hearings and her background as a prosecutor. Her campaign initially surged in popularity, however, her positions sometimes faced hardship, particularly her record as California’s Attorney General and her shifting healthcare policies which led to criticism.

Despite a decent start including a memorable confrontation with Joe Biden over racial integration and busing policies during the first Democratic debate, her campaign struggled to maintain momentum and clarity on certain policy positions. This inconsistency, coupled with internal campaign issues and financial constraints, led to her withdrawal from the race in December, 2019. Although her presidential bid was unsuccessful, it set the stage for her subsequent selection as Joe Biden’s running mate.

Looking ahead, Biden is scheduled to further detail his decision to endorse Harris in a forthcoming speech set for Wednesday. This is with the Democratic National Committee actively working to finalize their presidential nominee selection by August 7. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has lodged a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission. They argue that funds raised for Biden’s re-election should not be transferable to Harris’s campaign, marking a contentious point in the unfolding electoral drama.

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