Harris officially names Minnesota Gov Walz as running mate
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More news: US Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, announced in a social media post she tapped Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate in the 5 November election.
"I am proud to announce that I've asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate," she posted on X, previously known as Twitter. "As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he's delivered for working families like his. It's great to have him on the team. Now let’s get to work," she said.
What they said: Walz, whose "weird" description of Republican nominee Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance has gone viral and has been swiftly adopted by the Harris campaign, said he felt honoured and energised.
"It is the honor of a lifetime to join @kamalaharris in this campaign. I’m all in. Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school," he said in a post.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the decision during an interview on MSNBC, saying "Tim Walz is wonderful... he's a heartland of America Democrat."
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, who were top contenders for the VP candidacy, voiced their support for the decision, vowing to campaign to unite the country behind Harris and Walz.
"Vice President Kamala Harris has my enthusiastic support - and I know that Governor Tim Walz is an exceptionally strong addition to the ticket," Shapiro said in a statement posted on X.
The Trump-Vance campaign responded by calling Walz a "radical leftist".
In a statement, campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: "While Walz pretends to support Americans in the Heartland, when the cameras are off, he believes that rural America is ‘mostly cows and rocks."
"From proposing his own carbon-free agenda, to suggesting stricter emission standards for gas-powered cars, and embracing policies to allow convicted felons to vote, Walz is obsessed with spreading California’s dangerously liberal agenda far and wide."
Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz as VP mate, say reports
The news: Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, Reuters and The New York Times reported citing sources.
The context: The decision elevates Walz, a 60-year-old former football coach and US Army National Guard veteran, to vice-presidential candidate, following his recent takedowns of Republican nominee Donald Trump.
With rural roots and liberal policies, the Midwestern has recently risen among other candidates with better name recognition after a series of public appearances where he clearly articulated why voters should reject Trump. His selection is seen as a strategic move to connect with voters in states like Wisconsin and Michigan, which are crucial for the upcoming election.
According to Reuters, Walz was previously known for his centrist positions but has recently embraced more progressive policies as governor of Minnesota. His track record of progressive policies includes free school meals and climate change goals, but he also has a history of supporting conservative stances on agriculture and gun rights.
The numbers: Harris’ decision comes just hours after securing the Democratic nomination for president with 99% support from the 4,567 delegates who voted virtually over five days instead of at a convention.
This also comes as primaries take place for significant races on Tuesday, including a Michigan Senate seat and governor’s races in Washington and Missouri.
Harris and Walz are set for a tight face-off against Trump and his running mate JD Vance at the November election, with polls showing Harris’ standing against Trump has improved since President Biden stepped out of the race and endorsed her just over two weeks ago.
The sources: Reuters , The New York Times
