Kamala Harris: VP race heats up, Democratic Party faces internal strife

The Democratic Party is grappling with a fiercely competitive and divisive internal battle over who will join Vice President Kamala Harris on the 2024 ticket.

Despite efforts to avoid such a scenario, the contest has reached a tense phase behind closed doors, as party factions lobby for their preferred candidates.

In recent days, the race has taken an ugly turn, with donors, interest groups, and political rivals from both the moderate and progressive wings of the party intensifying their efforts.

A particular focus of the contention has been Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, one of the leading candidates to be Harris’ running mate.

Shapiro has faced strong opposition from progressives and even from Senator John Fetterman, a fellow Pennsylvanian.

The tension within the party became more apparent after three top contenders—Shapiro, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz—met with Harris at her Washington residence on Sunday.

The decision on who will join her on the ticket is expected to be announced by Tuesday.

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Kevin Munoz, a spokesperson for Harris’ campaign, declined to comment on the meetings.

However, Harris is expected to appear with her chosen running mate this week during a five-day, seven-state tour that kicks off with a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, where Shapiro is anticipated to be present, regardless of the outcome.

Progressive groups have particularly targeted Shapiro and Kelly, accusing them of being too conservative on key issues. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain criticized Kelly for not fully addressing the union’s concerns about his stance on pro-labor legislation and expressed even greater reservations about Shapiro’s support for school vouchers.

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While major Democratic donors have generally expressed comfort with any of the candidates on Harris’ shortlist, divisions have emerged within the party’s largest donor networks.

In particular, left-wing donors in the Democracy Alliance have raised concerns about Shapiro, while progressive activists in the Gamechanger Salon group have circulated criticisms of his positions, especially on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The debate has grown particularly heated, with some members of the group using language deemed antisemitic by others, leading to a re with accusations flying and tensions rising.

There has been a concerted push among some progressive donors to support Tim Walz, who has become a favorite among the party’s most liberal contributors.

Senator Fetterman, who has a history of clashes with Shapiro, has reportedly expressed his displeasure at the prospect of the governor being elevated to a national ticket.

One of his advisers even reached out to Harris’ campaign to voice objections to Shapiro’s potential selection.

Amid growing attacks on Shapiro, some moderates within the party have come to his defense. Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” condemned the recent criticism of Shapiro as a “toxic mix of antisemitism, extremist views on Gaza, and jealous colleagues.”

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Meanwhile, a group of progressive donors has been actively pushing for Walz, circulating a memo titled “The Case for Tim Walz for Vice President” in an effort to sway Harris.

A similar document supporting Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who recently headlined a Harris fundraiser in New Hampshire, has also been making the rounds among key Democrats.

On Sunday, Kelly posted, then quickly deleted, a social media message suggesting a renewed focus on his work in Arizona. His spokesperson later clarified that the post was removed due to misinterpretation.

Shapiro’s candidacy has received backing from pro-Israel donors, supporters of school choice, and business-friendly contributors, though these same positions have made him less popular among the party’s more liberal funders.

An apparent compromise candidate could emerge in Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who has garnered support from both liberal and centrist donors.

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Although Beshear did not participate in Harris’ final interviews on Sunday, he has been actively courting donors, including at an invite-only session on Friday evening.

As the clock ticks down to Harris’ final decision, Walz and Beshear are set to appear at separate fundraisers on Monday evening. While Walz’s event in Minneapolis is already sold out, tickets remain available for Beshear’s Chicago fundraiser.

By the time these events take place, the Democratic Party is likely to have its final ticket for 2024.