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By Jesus Mesa
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Robby Mook, former campaign manager for Hillary Clinton's 2016 run, advised Vice President Kamala Harris to choose a vice-presidential candidate based on personal chemistry rather than purely tactical considerations.
Speaking to CNN Monday, Mook cautioned Harris against making a decision solely based on what could play well with the party's base, citing former President Donald Trump's selection of J.D. Vance as an example.
"Trump is a great example of someone who made a very tactical pick, trying to get someone who he thought would do well on TV and excite his base. It's clear there's not a lot of chemistry there," Mook said.
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The latest reports indicate that Kamala Harris' vice-presidential search has been narrowed down to three candidates: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona. The pick is expected to be formally announced on Tuesday.
Reflecting on that shortlist, Mook expressed confidence in the current candidates and suggested that Harris should prioritize choosing someone she genuinely connects with.
"I honestly just hope she's going with her gut and picking someone she's excited about because that's one of those intangibles that comes through."
He said that the right choice could provide a crucial edge, particularly in battleground states. "Putting him in there, that can absolutely be the margin of victory," Mook said, referring to the potential impact of the pick.
Mook highlighted the critical role of Pennsylvania in the electoral college, pointing out that Shapiro's strong performance in previous elections and his statewide popularity could be enough to win the Keystone State's 19 electoral votes.
"Shapiro has always had a head start in this contest because Pennsylvania is so important to the Electoral College map," he said.
When asked about potential criticisms for not choosing Shapiro, especially regarding his positions on Israel, Mook downplayed the concerns. He expressed confidence that the excitement surrounding Harris' nascent campaign would overshadow any negative backlash within the Democratic base.
Mook also praised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for his recent viral appearances stumping for Harris, saying the straight-talking Midwesterner has the ability to effectively challenge both Trump and Vance on cable television and social media platforms.
"He has really come from behind here, and we've seen him take both Trump and Vance to task on cable and social media. His star has risen as a result of that," Mook said.
Harris' search for a running mate began swiftly after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race on July 21 and endorsed his vice president to replace him.
She is expected to announce her selection by Tuesday, when she's scheduled to make her first public appearance with her running mate that night at Temple University in Philadelphia.
On the eve of Harris' highly anticipated vice-presidential pick, Shapiro and Walz have both seen a significant boost in their odds, according to betting markets.
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