Democratic Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris named Minnesota Governor Tim Walz her Vice Presidential running mate. Walz had previously been relatively unknown to the general American electorate. He is noted for his folksy midwestern charm as well as his effective messaging about how his Republican rivals are “weird people.”
Reasons for Selection
Harris told supporters that she selected Walz because of his background as a teacher and a member of the National Guard and his work representing middle-class Midwestern families.
Announcement and Praise
Harris announced her decision on Instagram and in text messages to supporters. She said, “I share this background both because it’s impressive in its own right and because you see in no uncertain terms how it informs his record.”
Harris Introduces Walz’s Family
Harris continued, “But what impressed me most about Tim is his deep commitment to his family: Gwen, Gus, and Hope. Doug and I look forward to working with him and Gwen to build an Administration that reflects our shared values.”
Unexpected Choice
Walz is 60 years old and emerged from seemingly out of nowhere to win the veepstakes. He has been a popular governor in Minnesota but was not recognized outside of the Midwest region of the U.S.
Walz’s Main Competition for VP Role
His chances were overlooked mainly as political analysts zeroed in on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelley as the two favorites to win the coveted Vice Presidential spot on the Democratic ticket.
New Messaging Tactic
Walz distinguished himself as he started using a new messaging tactic in interviews that painted conservatives and Republicans as “weird” for their preoccupations with specific issues and especially odd references Donald Trump has made more than once about Hannibal Lecter, for instance.
National Democrats Have Followed Walz’s Example
Due to Walz’s success with that tactic, other national Democrats have also chosen to use that line of insult.
Finalizing the Ticket
Harris’s selection closes the loop on the last items to attend to after President Biden announced two weeks ago that he would not continue running for reelection. He endorsed Harris, and she received sufficient delegate votes to become the formal Democratic Presidential nominee. She has now named her Vice Presidential running mate.
Reactions from Democrats
Democrats, from the most progressive to the centrists, have praised the selection. Squad member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, “Vice President Harris made an excellent decision in Gov. Walz as her running mate.
Together, they will govern effectively, inclusively, and boldly for the American people. They won’t back down under tight odds, either—from healthcare to school lunch.”
Past House Colleague Says “You Can’t Not Get Along With” Tim Walz
Democrat Rep. Lloyd Doggett from Texas congratulated his old House colleague and said, “You can’t not get along with no-nonsense Tim. As governor, he offers a straight-talking, compassionate leader who delivers the progress we need.”
Criticism and Challenges
Walz did not attract some criticism against other candidates, Shapiro and Kelly, whom progressive groups criticized for different reasons. Shapiro came under fire for his response to pro-Palestine protests. Kelly and Shapiro were out of the graces of union groups supporting Walz.
Strategic Advantage
The Walz pick will also help the Harris campaign retain Minnesota’s support. Trump has been talking about flipping the state, and he and Vice Presidential Candidate JD Vance have been campaigning heavily in Minnesota. Conservatives will paint Walz as a radical liberal, in the vein of Harris.
He has a liberal record on abortion and LGBTQ rights, and his state was the setting for the first Black Lives Matter riots following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Trump’s Criticism
Trump’s campaign has already stated, “It’s no surprise that San Francisco Liberal Kamala Harris wants West Coast wannabe Tim Walz as her running-mate–Walz has spent his governorship trying to reshape Minnesota in the image of the Golden State. Walz is obsessed with spreading California’s dangerously liberal agenda far and wide.”
Upcoming Tour
Walz will tour with Harris starting Tuesday, holding a rally in Philadelphia before traveling to Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada.
