CLEVELAND _ Hillary Clinton is poised to unveil her choice of a running mate as soon as Friday via a text message to supporters, according to a person familiar with the plans, as she seeks to recapture public attention following a week in which Donald Trump and the Republican Party dominated the news.
The timing for the unveiling of her choice is unclear, according to the person, who asked for anonymity to discuss the private deliberations. The announcement would come three days before Democrats open their national convention in Philadelphia, a chance for the party to showcase the themes and messages that will be the foundation for Clinton's campaign to win the White House in November. Clinton is scheduled to campaign Friday and Saturday in Florida, a key swing state.
Clinton met with several candidates July 15 at her home in Washington.
Among those said to be leading contenders for Clinton's running mate are Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Also on Clinton's list is Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Labor Secretary Tom Perez and retired Admiral James Stavridis, a former supreme allied commander of NATO. She also has discussed the vice presidency with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Housing Secretary Julian Castro and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker.
The party conventions have served as deadlines for Clinton and Trump to round out their tickets. Trump and his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, were formally nominated by Republicans at their convention in Cleveland on Tuesday.
Clinton has declined to discuss individual potential running mates before her decision is announced. She said in an interview Monday with Charlie Rose for CBS News that she has met with a "bunch" of candidates and said, "I am blessed with a broad group of people to choose from." She previously has indicated she's is focused on selecting a candidate who could fulfill the responsibilities of being president. But even on that basis, political considerations will come into play.
Republicans during their convention have focused national security and domestic unrest, accusing Clinton and the Obama administration of decisions that have weakened the U.S. and allowed its enemies to thrive. Although Clinton served as secretary of State for four years and Trump has no experience in government, recent polls have showed him pulling closer to Clinton on the question of who is better able to handle security and deal with terrorism.
