The search for a running mate by Vice President Kamala Harris is nearing its end, with her vetting team having met with six potential contenders, according to sources familiar with the campaign. The candidates, all of whom are around the same age as Harris or younger, have either campaigned for her on the trail or made media appearances since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

Among the contenders is Shapiro, who recently met with Harris' vetting team, although the vice president was not present during the meeting. Shapiro's change in schedule, including canceling fundraisers in the Hamptons, has sparked speculation about his potential role in Harris' campaign.

Kelly, another potential running mate, had a meeting with Harris' vetting team on Tuesday. Reports suggest that he missed several Senate votes during the afternoon, stating that he was "off campus." Pritzker, on the other hand, participated in two Zoom interviews with Harris' vetting team, discussing policies and potential contributions to the campaign.

Walz, when asked about the process, simply stated that Harris should select someone who will help her win in November. He emphasized that he was not interviewing for any position, asserting that he is being authentic and presenting himself as he is.

Harris' decision on her running mate is expected to be announced by next Tuesday, coinciding with her first appearance alongside the chosen candidate during a tour of key battleground states. The tour will include stops in Philadelphia, western Wisconsin, Detroit, Raleigh, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Savannah.

In the midst of this selection process, senior national political reporter Jonathan Allen highlights the risks of former President Donald Trump focusing on Harris' race and ethnicity during the campaign. Trump had erroneously claimed that Harris had identified as Indian American for most of her life before "turning Black." In reality, Harris has always embraced her identity as a proud black woman.

Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump's potential running mate, also contributed to the race-centric rhetoric by labeling Harris as a "chameleon" due to perceived shifts in her policy positions. However, experts warn that such tactics may be detrimental to the GOP ticket, as they not only alienate voters but also play into the narrative of Trump being out of touch and divisive.

Harris, for her part, has not allowed herself to be distracted by these attacks and has labeled them as "divisive" and "disrespectful." She remains focused on addressing the issues that directly impact voters' lives, such as the economy, immigration, and abortion.

As the search for Harris' running mate draws to a close, the nation awaits her decision and the subsequent impact it will have on the upcoming election. Harris has the ability to navigate the race-driven rhetoric effectively, ensuring that her campaign is centered on the issues that matter most to the American people.