Former President Donald Trump has launched a scathing critique against Vice President Kamala Harris, casting doubt on her capabilities and portraying her as President Joe Biden's safeguard in the upcoming presidential election.

Trump's comments come amid internal deliberations within the Democratic Party regarding Biden's potential candidacy in the November 5 election. Referencing Biden's debated performance, Trump used this as fodder to bolster his arguments.

The ongoing scrutiny has not only delayed Trump's anticipated announcement of his own vice presidential running mate but has also given him an opportunity to reconsider one of his most crucial decisions in his bid to reclaim the White House.

Acknowledging the stakes, Trump indicated uncertainty during an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity. Despite previously suggesting he had made up his mind, Trump revealed he is still evaluating his options, with Biden's uncertain nomination being a last-minute factor in his decision-making process.

At a rally in Doral, Florida, Trump intensified his criticism of Kamala Harris, potentially signaling her as his opponent in the general election if Biden opts out. Speculation swirls around whether Trump may select Senator Marco Rubio, Senator JD Vance, or Governor Doug Burgum as his running mate, with the location of the rally hinting at strategic considerations.

Trump's remarks underscore a contentious start to the presidential race, highlighting the pivotal roles of both Harris and Biden in the unfolding political landscape.

Since their June 27 debate in Atlanta, questions about President Biden's fitness to serve another term have dominated discussions. At 81, Biden appeared raspy-voiced and slack-jawed, occasionally losing his train of thought during the 90-minute event with Trump. This has sparked debates among Democrats, with some urging Biden to step aside as the party's nominee, while others demand he prove capable of defeating Trump, 78, in a potential rematch of the 2020 election.

Conversations within the party also revolve around potential replacements for Biden, with Vice President Kamala Harris and several Democratic governors mentioned as alternatives if Biden withdraws his re-election bid. Trump's recent comments to Sean Hannity suggested that his decision on a running mate could hinge on the prospect of facing a politically weakened Biden or an entirely different Democratic ticket. The suitability of a running mate against Biden and Harris might differ from one against Harris alone or another candidate appealing to specific voter bases.

During a rally in Florida, Trump notably focused on Harris, occasionally mispronouncing her first name, which he rarely does in his campaign speeches. He portrayed her as a left-wing ally of Senator Bernie Sanders and criticized her performance as Biden's vice president. Trump hinted that Biden would likely continue his candidacy because Democrats prefer not to have Harris at the top of their ticket.

According to sources close to Trump involved in the selection process, the fallout from Biden's debate performance hasn't altered the criteria for choosing a running mate. Senior Trump adviser Brian Hughes reiterated that any speculation on Trump's VP choice is unreliable unless confirmed by Trump himself.