Harris Picks Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Running Mate in Swift VP Selection

Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election, concluding a swift and intense selection process. The decision came after Harris interviewed the final three candidates: Walz, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.

The selection process, which began shortly after President Joe Biden announced his decision to "stand down" on July 21, 2024, was notably rapid compared to previous vice-presidential selections. Harris's team set an August 7 deadline to avoid conflicts with early ballot requirements in some states.

Walz emerged as a strong contender early in the process. His appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on July 23, where he described Republican nominee Donald Trump and his allies as "weird," resonated with Democrats and swing voters alike. This moment highlighted Walz's ability to challenge opponents with a lighter touch, a quality that appealed to Harris's team.

The Minnesota governor's background played a significant role in his selection. Walz served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019 and is a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard. Before entering politics, he was a high school teacher and football coach. This diverse experience is seen as potentially appealing to voters in Midwestern states and rural areas.

Walz's governing record in Minnesota also impressed Harris's team. As governor, he implemented programs such as free school lunches for all students and paid family leave. He has been a strong advocate for veterans' rights and has worked to expand broadband access in rural areas. Walz's ability to balance support for gun rights while advocating for some gun control measures was seen as an asset.

The selection process involved extensive vetting led by former attorney general Eric Holder and former White House counsel Dana Remus. A panel comprising Cedric Richmond, former labor secretary Marty Walsh, and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto conducted final interviews with the candidates.

External pressures played a role in the process, with various groups advocating for or against certain candidates. However, Harris's team emphasized that her personal rapport with Walz, more than any opposition research, was the key factor in her decision.

"The reason I like him — it's not complicated — I think he is kind of a down-to-earth guy, plain-spoken. I think he communicates well with working-class people."

The selection of Walz has initially achieved its aim of uniting Democrats, drawing praise from both centrist Senator Joe Manchin and progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This broad appeal could be crucial as the campaign moves forward in what promises to be a closely contested election.

As the campaign progresses, Walz's experience in addressing issues such as climate change, racial disparities, and education funding in Minnesota may become key talking points. His bipartisan approach to governance and his background in agriculture policy from his time in Congress could also prove valuable in appealing to a wide range of voters.