Vice President Kamala Harris has announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election.
The announcement followed weeks of speculation and marks a significant step in Harris’s campaign strategy, especially in appealing to Midwestern voters.
The decision was sealed during a personal phone call between Harris and Walz, a moment captured in a campaign video shared on social media. In the video, Walz, wearing khakis and a camouflage baseball cap, answered his phone with a simple, “Hi, this is Tim.”
On the other end, Harris greeted him warmly, “It’s Kamala Harris. Good morning, governor.” She then extended the invitation, “Listen, I want you to do this with me. Let’s do this together. Would you be my running mate?” Walz responded with enthusiasm, “I would be honored, madame vice president.” The call concluded with Harris saying, “All right, buddy. I’ll see you soon. Take care.”
Harris shared the news on the social media platform X, stating, “I am proud to announce that I’ve asked Tim Walz to be my running mate. As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his. It’s great to have him on the team.”
Tim Walz, aged 60, brings a diverse background to the ticket. He served in the Army National Guard for 24 years before transitioning to a career as a high school teacher in Mankato.
Walz entered politics in 2006, winning a congressional seat and later becoming the governor of Minnesota in 2018. During his tenure, he focused on policies like universal free school meals, clean energy initiatives, and paid leave for workers. He also signed a law to reduce distractions by prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving.
Despite his achievements, Walz’s selection has sparked criticism.
Former President Donald Trump quickly attacked the choice, labeling Walz as “dangerously liberal” and suggesting he would “unleash hell on earth” with his policies.
Trump claimed that Walz would be the “worst vice president in history” and accused him of supporting open borders and extreme climate policies similar to the Green New Deal, which Harris co-sponsored as a senator.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also criticized the Harris-Walz ticket, calling it the “most left-wing ticket in American history.” DeSantis accused Walz of failing to protect Minnesota during the 2020 protests following the killing of George Floyd, stating, “Walz sat by and let Minneapolis burn.”
Walz explained his commitment to the campaign and his belief in Harris’s vision, stating, “Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school. So, let’s get this done, folks!”
Harris and Walz plan to kick off their campaign with a rally in Philadelphia, followed by a tour of key battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada. The campaign has already seen a financial boost, raising over $10 million from grassroots supporters since the announcement.
While Harris’s choice has been met with praise from figures like President Joe Biden, who called it a “great decision,” and former President Barack Obama, who described Walz as an “outstanding governor.”
As the campaign progresses, Walz’s ability to connect with Midwestern and union voters will be tested. His background as a veteran and former teacher may resonate with some voters, but his record on issues like handling the 2020 protests in Minnesota will likely remain points of contention.
With the election approaching, the Harris-Walz ticket faces the challenge of uniting a divided electorate and appealing to swing state voters. Whether Walz can help Harris secure crucial electoral votes remains to be seen.