Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate, a choice that has garnered significant attention and raised questions about her strategy for the upcoming presidential race. Walz, a 60-year-old former football coach and liberal governor, has risen quickly to prominence due to his outspoken critiques of former President Donald Trump and his progressive policies.
What Explains the Rapid Ascent?
Walz’s selection came after a brief but intense period of vetting. Despite having less name recognition and representing a state (Minnesota) not considered a key battleground in presidential elections, Walz managed to emerge as Harris’s top choice. His candidacy was buoyed by recent high-profile cable news appearances where he described Republicans as “weird,” a remark that resonated widely and shifted focus to the straightforward Midwesterner behind the comment.
Walz’s journey from a rural school teacher and football coach to a prominent political figure is compelling. Born and raised in rural Nebraska, he moved to Mankato, Minnesota, where he taught high school social studies and led his team to a state championship. His political career began with a dramatic shift during a 2004 campaign rally. He was chaperoning his students to a Geoge W. Bush rally. One of the students had a sticker of Bush’s opponent, John Kerry on his wallet. Due to this, the entire group was turned away from Bush’s rally. This event spurred Walz to volunteer for John Kerry’s presidential campaign and eventually led him to run for office himself.
Political Background and Appeal
Before becoming governor, Walz served 12 years in Congress, where he was known for representing a largely rural district in a predominantly Republican area. His service in the Army National Guard and his work as an educator shaped his public image as a moderate, though his gubernatorial record has been firmly liberal. As governor, he has championed a range of progressive causes, including marijuana legalization, paid family leave, abortion ‘rights’, and gun control.
Despite his moderate beginnings, Walz’s policies as governor reflect a strong liberal stance. His support for an assault weapons ban and his advocacy for progressive policies have earned him both praise and criticism. Former Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty noted that Walz’s “prairie populism” combines progressive policies with a down-to-earth image that appeals to a broad audience.
The Selection Process
Harris’s choice of Walz is a strategic move aimed at balancing her campaign. While Minnesota is not a crucial swing state, Walz’s appeal to moderate and swing voters, combined with his clear and impactful messaging against Trump, made him a strong contender. Harris’s decision also reflects her need to present a running mate who aligns with her values.
The selection process involved considerable input from various sources, including former President Barack Obama, who has been a key adviser to Harris. Walz’s rapid rise and effective communication helped him stand out among other finalists, including more polished and prominent candidates like Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who hail from crucial battleground states.
A Victory for Progressive Donors
Walz’s selection is seen as a victory for the party’s most left-wing donors, who actively supported his candidacy. A memo titled “The Case for Governor Tim Walz for Vice President” circulated among progressive donors, highlighting his alignment with their priorities.
Will Walz’s Selection Disappoint Moderate Donors and Voters?
However, Walz’s selection is bound to upset many major donors who are pro-Israel and who were rooting for Josh Shapiro. It appears Shapiro’s criticism of anti-Semitism in US campuses, didn’t help him. It may have won him praise from pro-Israel Jewish donors but it made him intolerable to the Democratic party’s left-wing base, which views Israel as an apartheid state and Hamas terrorists as ‘freedom fighters’.
Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution, a political group founded by Bernie Sanders has released a statement that reads “Walz’s selection is a clear indication that the Harris campaign is listening to the voices of progressives across the country.”
Ari Fleischer, a former White House press secretary for President George W. Bush has released a statement that reads “It’s time for the Jewish community to recognize the power in the D party rests with its anti-Israel progressive base.”
Looking Ahead
As Harris prepares to announce Walz as her running mate, the choice represents a Harris’ decision to appease the Democratic party’s left wing base and her personal affinity for Walz. The pick is expected to energize both progressive base. However, this decision provides an opening to the Republicans. An opening to attack Harris’ campaign as a radical left-wing campaign.
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