Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has selected Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, as her running mate for the upcoming election. This decision, announced on August 6, 2024, has elicited a range of responses from various political figures and organizations.
Harris expressed confidence in her choice, highlighting Walz's diverse background as a governor, coach, teacher, and veteran. Walz responded with enthusiasm, comparing the experience to the first day of school.
The selection of Walz appears to be a strategic move to appeal to rural and white voters in the Midwest. Minnesota, Walz's home state, has consistently supported Democratic presidential candidates since 1976, underscoring its importance in the electoral landscape.
Republican reactions were swift and critical. Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, vehemently opposed the choice, claiming Walz would be "the worst VP in history." Other Republican figures, including Ron DeSantis and Steve Scalise, echoed these sentiments, labeling the Harris-Walz ticket as extremely liberal.
In contrast, Democratic leaders and labor unions expressed strong support for the decision. Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, praised Walz's record of "doing good in all the ways you can." The AFL-CIO and United Auto Workers union highlighted Walz's commitment to labor issues, referencing his support during the UAW strike last year.
"Gov. Walz isn't only an ally to the labor movement, but also our union brother with a deep commitment to a pro-worker agenda. ... The labor movement stands united behind the Harris–Walz ticket."
Environmental groups, such as the NRDC Action Fund, commended Walz's leadership on climate issues in Minnesota. However, some progressive voices expressed concerns about his past positions, particularly on foreign policy matters.
Political analysts view the selection as a calculated move. Larry Sabato, a political science professor at the University of Virginia, noted that while Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania might have offered a larger electoral vote payoff, Walz fulfills the traditional role of a vice presidential nominee by potentially doing no harm to the ticket.
As the campaign moves forward, the Harris-Walz team will face the challenge of uniting various Democratic factions while appealing to crucial Midwest voters. The next 90 days leading up to the election will be critical in determining whether this strategy proves successful in their bid for the White House.