Harris Taps Walz as VP Pick, Shaking Up 2024 Presidential Race

Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has chosen Tim Walz, Minnesota's governor, as her running mate for the 2024 election. This strategic move aims to strengthen the party's appeal in crucial Midwestern states as the November vote looms.

Walz, 60, brings a diverse background to the ticket. A former high school teacher and congressman, he served 24 years in the U.S. Army National Guard, reaching the rank of command sergeant major. His selection came shortly after Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the race on July 21, 2024.

The Harris-Walz ticket presents a stark contrast to the Republican duo of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance on foreign policy. While Trump and Vance express skepticism towards U.S. alliances and aid to Ukraine, Harris is expected to maintain support for Kyiv. This policy difference reflects the ongoing debate over America's global role, with the U.S. having provided over $75 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022.

Walz's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict aligns with mainstream Democratic views, supporting Israel while criticizing its war conduct. In March 2024, he advocated for a U.S.-led ceasefire push, stating, "We need a permanent solution." This position may resonate with Arab American voters, a significant bloc of around 200,000 in Michigan alone.

The governor's political journey includes six terms in Congress from 2007 to 2019, where he served on the House Armed Services Committee. During this time, Walz opposed the Iraq War and additional troop deployments. In 2009, he participated in a congressional delegation to Syria, meeting with Bashar al-Assad in an unsuccessful attempt to halt arms flow to Iraqi militant groups.

"This man [Assad] is a monster and the situation is horrific, but that is not compelling enough to come up with a plan that is not well thought out and in the best interest of this nation."

Walz's selection has prompted staffing changes in the Harris campaign. Brian Nelson, former Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, and Elizabeth Allen, ex-undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, have joined the team. Allen is expected to serve as Walz's chief of staff during the campaign.

As the election approaches, Walz faces the challenge of boosting his national profile. With less than 100 days until Election Day, the Harris-Walz ticket must navigate complex foreign policy issues while appealing to a diverse electorate in key battleground states.