Minnesota's VP Legacy: Walz Follows Humphrey and Mondale's Footsteps

Tim Walz, Minnesota's governor, could potentially become the state's third vice president in six decades if the Democratic ticket succeeds in the upcoming election. This achievement would place him in the company of renowned Democratic figures Hubert H. Humphrey and Walter Mondale.

These three politicians share progressive ideals, Midwestern origins, and a reputation for civility. Humphrey and Mondale were influential party leaders who left significant marks on American politics.

Humphrey was a pioneer in civil rights advocacy, championing the cause two decades before the landmark legislation of the 1960s. His protégé, Mondale, made history by selecting Rep. Geraldine A. Ferraro as his running mate in 1984, marking the first time a woman appeared on a major-party presidential ticket.

Humphrey's tenure as vice president under President Lyndon B. Johnson was challenging, particularly due to disagreements over Vietnam War strategy. In contrast, Mondale enjoyed a more collaborative relationship with President Jimmy Carter in the late 1970s.

Minnesota's political landscape has evolved significantly over the years. In the 1930s, Minneapolis was home to an extremist group promoting discriminatory ideologies. However, by 1945, Humphrey's election as mayor marked a turning point, leading to the implementation of anti-discrimination laws.

: "Hubert H. Humphrey's speech was earth-shattering, expressing condemnation of the racial segregation that had been in existence ever since the end of the Civil War. And he was the only one that was courageous enough to do so."

Humphrey's 1948 Democratic National Convention speech calling for civil rights was a defining moment in party history. This bold stance led to a split within the Democratic Party, with Southern delegates forming their own faction.

Mondale's political career was closely tied to Humphrey's. He was appointed to Humphrey's Senate seat when the latter became vice president. Mondale later declined to run for president in 1976 but accepted Carter's offer to be his running mate.

The Carter-Mondale ticket won a close election in 1976, campaigning under the slogan "Grits and Fritz in '76". However, they lost to Ronald Reagan in 1980, and Mondale's subsequent presidential bid in 1984 resulted in a significant defeat.

As Walz potentially joins this legacy, Minnesota could become the state with the most vice presidents in recent history. However, the experiences of his predecessors suggest that the path from vice presidency to presidency remains challenging.