Kamala Harris has selected far-left Democrat Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, aiming to leverage his rural connections and progressive policies to attract moderate voters while solidifying the Democrat base.
Tim Walz, who served 12 years in Congress representing a predominantly Republican rural district in Minnesota, brings a Midwestern background and approachable style that could complement Harris, a liberal from California.
This decision, confirmed by three individuals familiar with the matter to The Associated Press on Tuesday, is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the ticket in the Midwest, particularly in key battleground states like Wisconsin. Wisconsin, along with Michigan and Pennsylvania, forms part of the Democrats’ “blue wall” crucial for blocking the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, from reclaiming the White House.
Despite Trump’s assertion that Minnesota is competitive this year, Harris’ choice isn’t centered on that premise. Minnesota has consistently voted Democrat since 1972, with Harris currently holding a six-point lead over Trump in the state, according to polls.
An NPR poll released on Tuesday revealed that 71% of voters are either unfamiliar with Walz or unsure of their opinion about him. The same poll showed that 17% have a positive view, while 12% have an unfavorable opinion. Other potential candidates on Harris’ shortlist, such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, had higher recognition among voters.
Walz is an uncommon figure among Democrats due to his history as a gun owner and hunting enthusiast. Previously endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and featured in Guns & Ammo magazine’s top 20 politicians for gun owners, his stance shifted after the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Since then, he has supported stricter gun control measures, including an “assault weapons” ban, and as governor, signed laws enhancing penalties for illegal firearm acquisitions. This policy shift has led to criticism from pro-gun groups, with the NRA downgrading his rating to F.
Walz has governed with a more left-leaning approach than anticipated. As governor, he has supported initiatives such as universal free school meals, voting rights for the formerly incarcerated, driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants, and the legalization of recreational marijuana. He also signed a law establishing abortion as a “fundamental right” in Minnesota.
In a CNN interview, Walz defended these policies against conservative backlash, humorously remarking, “What a monster! Kids are eating and having full bellies so they can go learn and women are making their own healthcare decisions.”
Despite his lower national profile, which might make him a target for the Trump campaign, Walz’s policies on gender-affirming care have drawn significant criticism from conservative groups, who argue that such measures harm children.
Walz also faced criticism for his response to the 2020 riots in Minnesota following George Floyd’s murder. He delayed deploying the National Guard for three days, leading to extensive damage to businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul, a point likely to be emphasized by the Trump campaign.
Bottom line, if we do not win the election, they cheated. This commie is a non-starter!
All you need to know about him is that he agreed to run with Kamala…..that tells you all you need to know about his character, his stance on things etc.
Finally the GOP has a chance to win MN. Nixon was last Republican to take it in 1972 landslide.
I’m an Independent and I’m voting for the Orange Man instead of the Jezabel.