On the eve of Vice President Kamala Harris' highly anticipated vice-presidential pick, two candidates have seen a significant boost in their odds, according to recent betting markets. The sudden shift in probabilities has voters on high alert, signaling a potential narrowing of the field in a closely watched selection process.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have emerged as the frontrunners in the latest odds released by online sportsbook BetOnline.ag. Shapiro, who was the clear favorite just 48 hours ago with 1/5 (-500) odds, now stands at -185, while Walz has made a surprising leap to +190, a stark improvement from his previous 16/1 odds. Newsweek contacted the Harris campaign, along with Shapiro and Walz's press office via email on Sunday for comment.
The dramatic change in betting odds comes as Harris' campaign enters the final hours before announcing her running mate for the 2024 presidential election. While betting markets are not definitive indicators of political outcomes, they often reflect insider information and public sentiment, making them a closely watched barometer in political circles.
Other notable contenders include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, whose odds have improved to +900, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear at +1400. Both have been touted for their ability to win in traditionally Republican-leaning states, a quality that could prove valuable in a national campaign.
The surge in odds for Shapiro and Walz has overshadowed other potential candidates who were once considered strong contenders. Former presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg now stands at +3500, while Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's odds have lengthened to +15000.
These shifts in betting odds come on the heels of comments made by renowned election predictor Allan Lichtman, who recently identified Shapiro and Kelly as favorable choices for Harris. Lichtman, known for his accurate predictions in nine of the past ten presidential elections, emphasized the importance of selecting a running mate who could be trusted to assume the presidency if necessary.
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