Editor's note: Freddie Reidy is a freelance writer based in London. He studied history and history of art at the University of Kent, Canterbury, specializing in Russian history and international politics. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The easing of the lockdown in the U.S. has brought a renewed focus on this year's presidential election. The handling of COVID-19, the death of George Floyd and soaring unemployment certainly provided plenty of talking points for the campaign.

Joe Biden's confirmation as the Democratic candidate was somewhat lost in the coronavirus news cycle but his next big decision, the nomination of a vice presidential candidate will be vital to continuing to the ground he has gained on Donald Trump. At 77, there is also perhaps an added significance as to who occupies the number two spot.

There appears to be a growing confidence among left-leaning news organizations and the Democratic Party about former Vice President Joe Biden's prospects later this year. Indeed, Biden is presently 12 points ahead of the incumbent. The problem for Democrats is that this surge in the polls has been driven by Trump's poor handling of COVID-19, high unemployment, and the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd.

Joe Biden needs to win over the rust belt states like Pennsylvania. Biden's choice for a vice presidential candidate will be a key tool to achieving this. A strong candidate can breathe new life into a campaign, as Sarah Palin did for John McCain in 2008. Weaker candidates such as Tim Caine for Hillary, smacked of a missed opportunity.

Who is in the running though? For a time, the surprise candidate for the nomination Amy Klobuachar seemed a good choice; but she has since withdrawn citing the need for Biden to nominate a woman of color. A feeling echoed by Rogette Harris, chair of the Dauphin County Democratic committee "He (Biden) is our nominee due to the Black vote in the South." A clear indicator of the extent to which race could be a talking point on the campaign trail.

Although subject to the dynamic, the role of vice president is often fulfilled before taking office. A nod from the candidate comes with the expectation that the prospective VP can bring states with them. At 77 and exhibiting some signs of cognitive decline, the primary duty of the vice president is brought into focus. To this end, front-runner Kamala Harris remains a solid choice and a viable proposition as president if the need arose.

The California senator has strong credentials with time in the Senate as well as serving as California's attorney general. Harris is daughter to Indian and Jamaican parents and has been outspoken on racial issues including confronting Joe Biden during the first primaries. The relationship between the two has recovered though and Harris successfully raised two million U.S. dollars at one of Biden's recent virtual fundraiser events, demonstrating another useful skill – fundraising.

What Harris lacks is star quality and a fanatical following. Hillary had her enemies but also many die-hard fans and the same can be said of Bernie Sanders. Joe Biden does not have this. He is affable but is very much a "not Trump" candidate. His campaign team will have to decide whether they wish to appoint a candidate who can win over center leaning voters who voted Trump in 2016 or whether they wish to mobilize their own base.

Long shots Michelle Lujan Grisham, Stacey Abrams or Keisha Lance Bottoms could achieve this, but risk losing an opportunity of flipping key rust belt states. Focusing on consolidation would seem a risky strategy.

The muted presidential campaign thus far has favored Biden. Initially President Trump was able to utilize his position as the incumbent during a crisis, but with a surge in coronavirus cases and unemployment soaring in excess of 36 million, being the 'other' candidate is enough for now. This is a temporary position. An uptick in the economy could prove devastating to Democratic chances if they rest on their laurels.

Kamala Harris has been viewed as a favorite for several months and for good reason. Her calm composure and channeled intensity has made her a fierce interrogator in Senate committees. It is also a vital proving ground for the highest offices. Such an approach and reputation make her the perfect foil to Joe Biden's affable image. While Elizabeth Warren has a similar reputation, Harris has a broader appeal. Democrats will be all too conscious of how well a white, 65+ year-old female, left-wing firebrand fared last time around.

One thing we can be assured of is that this will be a bitter fight. Donald Trump will not give up the White House easily. Expect "The Donald" to go after "sleepy Joe" with every trick in the playbook and a lot more that aren't. Biden will need an unflappable running mate to add credibility to his candidacy and to project an image of progress, change and hope for which the U.S. is always yearning. If Biden gets this decision wrong, he will starve it of the dynamism and passion which it currently lacks.

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