Democratic US presidential candidate Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate for the 2024 election, according to a CNN report citing four sources familiar with the decision. Walz has gained significant attention for his straightforward criticism of Republicans, enhancing his profile within the Democratic Party.
Vice-Presidential Consideration: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a 60-year-old father of two and Nebraska native, was a leading contender for the vice-presidential spot, alongside Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Running Mate Selection: On Tuesday, Kamala Harris selected Walz as her running mate.
Political Background: Although not a prominent national figure, Walz is a moderate Democrat with a significant political history, having served as a representative for Minnesota in Congress from 2007 to 2019 and as Minnesota's governor since 2019.
Current Role: Walz chairs the National Democratic Governors Association.
Appeal to Voters: He is viewed as an attractive choice for independents and moderate Democrats due to his working-class background and rural roots.
Endorsement: Former Senator Heidi Heitkamp noted Walz’s relatable appearance and lived experience, which resonates with many people in rural America.
Education and Early Career: Walz graduated from Chadron State College in Nebraska, served in the Army National Guard, and worked as a teacher on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he met his wife Gwen, a fellow teacher. He later taught in China and then at a high school in Mankato, Minnesota.
Political Involvement: Walz entered politics by joining former Massachusetts Senator John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign.
Incident Leading to Political Interest: Walz became politically active after some of his high school students were questioned for displaying a Kerry sticker at a George W. Bush campaign rally, which he attended with them.
Teaching Background: Before entering politics, Walz’s teaching career spanned various locations, including Pine Ridge, China, and Mankato.
Tuition-Free Meals: Walz ensured that participating state universities in Minnesota provide tuition-free meals.
Abortion Rights: He enshrined abortion rights into state law.
Banning Conversion Therapy: Walz implemented a ban on conversion therapy and provided protections for gender-affirming healthcare, defending these measures against criticism in a CNN interview.
Voting Rights Expansion: He signed a bill expanding voting rights in Minnesota for approximately 55,000 formerly incarcerated residents.
COVID-19 and Police Brutality Response: In 2020, Walz managed the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the police brutality protests following George Floyd’s death, although he faced criticism for his handling of the protests.
Criticism from Republicans: Walz encountered criticism from state Republicans regarding his perceived delayed response to the protests following George Floyd’s killing.
Controversy Surrounding Walz’s Policies
Governor Tim Walz has faced criticism from Minnesota Republicans, particularly over his protection of gender-affirming care. John Helmberger of the Minnesota Family Council claimed this policy harms vulnerable youth. Additionally, Walz's comments about "weird people" on the other side and Trump's peculiar behaviour drew Republican ire. Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy dismissed these criticisms as "dumb & juvenile," while Donald Trump Jr. responded with a video featuring Harris and a drag queen.
Walz’s Campaign Praised
Former Obama strategist David Axelrod praised Walz for running a highly aggressive vice-presidential campaign. Sources close to Kamala Harris have highlighted Walz’s exceptional performance, noting his "Midwest grit" and broad appeal. He is considered more dynamic than Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Supporters include Rep. Angie Craig, a group of 50 progressive lawmakers, and the Gen Z-focused Won’t PAC Down, which believes Walz counteracts concerns about “San Francisco liberals.”
Minnesota to Play Key Role
Presidential candidates often choose running mates to sway voters in crucial swing states. This November, Minnesota is a key battleground for Kamala Harris, one of seven pivotal states from Biden's 2020 win. A recent Fox News poll shows Harris leading Trump by six points in Minnesota (52%-46%), a significant improvement from an Emerson College poll that had Biden tied with Trump. Harris lags in other swing states, with ties in Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Since launching her campaign, Kamala Harris has received major endorsements from top Democrats, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Obama waited to endorse Harris until after Biden’s address and her potential official nomination, expected as early as August 1.
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