EDITORIAL: THIS is why Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz for VP

The Minnesota Governor is the perfect antidote to the fake populism of Donald Trump and JD Vance

Democrats are reveling in Kamala Harris’s exceptional choice for her vice presidential running mate, Tim Walz. As the governor of Minnesota, Walz brings to the table a unique blend of personal relatability, a strong legislative record, and a background that aligns him with the everyday American voter. This editorial delves into why Walz is an astute choice for Harris, how he balances the ticket, and what challenges Republicans might face in crafting effective attacks against him.

At first glance, Walz appears to be a quintessential "normal guy"—a characteristic that is increasingly rare in national politics. Before his political career, he spent over 20 years as a high school geography teacher and football coach, positions that are far more relatable to the average voter than the typical lawyer-turned-politician background. His journey from teaching to achieving the rank of Command Sergeant Major in the Army National Guard, serving for 24 years, only enhances his credibility and appeals to those who value military service. Walz's personal life, too, is one that resonates with many Americans. His two children were conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), a fact that not only humanizes him but also positions him as a figure who has personally navigated issues related to reproductive rights—a topic of increasing significance in the post-Roe v. Wade era.

Walz's political career has been marked by a series of impressive victories that showcase his ability to connect with voters across the ideological spectrum. Elected to Congress in 2006 in a stunning upset, he managed to hold onto a largely rural district five more times. His reputation in Congress as a bipartisan lawmaker who co-sponsored Republican legislation could be crucial in appealing to moderate and independent voters in a general election. His tenure as governor of Minnesota since 2019 has been defined by a progressive agenda that includes passing a universal school meals program, legalizing recreational marijuana, expanding voting rights, protecting access to gender-affirming care, and enacting paid family leave. These accomplishments not only demonstrate his effectiveness as a leader but also underscore his commitment to policies that directly benefit working families.

On a personal level, Walz's hobbies and demeanor further solidify his appeal to Middle America. An avid hunter and car enthusiast, Walz embodies the Midwestern blue-collar values that are often championed by Republicans. His down-to-earth personality, coupled with his authenticity, reportedly played a crucial role in Harris's decision to choose him as her running mate. In contrast to the often divisive and elitist rhetoric coming from the GOP, Walz's straightforwardness is a breath of fresh air. His recent characterization of Donald Trump, JD Vance, and other Republicans as "weird" has caught on precisely because it taps into a sentiment many voters share but have struggled to articulate.

From a strategic standpoint, Walz helps to balance the Harris ticket in several key ways. As a white man from the Midwest, he complements Harris, a woman of color from California, creating a diverse and geographically balanced ticket. While it might be ideal to live in a world where such considerations are unnecessary, the reality is that demographics still play a significant role in electoral politics. The Democratic campaign clearly sought to appeal to a broad swath of voters by selecting a running mate who could potentially help in crucial swing states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Walz’s authenticity and connection to Midwestern voters could be instrumental in securing these battlegrounds.

Critics might argue that Walz's selection comes with some downsides, though they are relatively minor. For instance, some may question why Harris didn't choose a running mate who could deliver a critical swing state, like Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro or Arizona's Mark Kelly. However, there is little conclusive evidence that vice presidential picks significantly influence the electoral outcomes in their home states. Moreover, Walz's broad appeal may outweigh the potential gains of picking someone purely for strategic state-based reasons.

Republican lines of attack on Walz have so far been relatively weak. His 1995 arrest for drunk driving, which led him to quit drinking, is unlikely to gain much traction, especially in light of Donald Trump's numerous legal challenges and felony convictions. The claim that Walz abandoned his troops by leaving the military in 2005 to run for Congress is another line of attack, but it’s not resonating. Walz's retirement came before his unit was mobilized for Iraq, and using his position in Congress, he worked to end the war—hardly the actions of someone who "abandoned" his troops. Furthermore, this issue draws attention to Trump’s lack of military service, as he famously dodged the draft during the Vietnam War, dubiously citing bone spurs in his feet.

Another possible attack could focus on Walz's handling of the George Floyd protests in Minnesota, where some criticized him for not acting quickly enough to stop looting and arson. However, with the riots now four years in the past, this line of attack risks seeming outdated and irrelevant. Moreover, audio of Trump praising Walz for his response to the protests could effectively nullify this criticism.

In conclusion, Tim Walz is a strong and sensible choice as Kamala Harris's running mate. His down-to-earth personality, extensive military and political experience, and progressive accomplishments as governor make him a formidable candidate who is well-positioned to appeal to a wide range of voters. While other names like Josh Shapiro or Mark Kelly could have been strong picks, Walz's selection is not indicative of any misstep but rather a testament to the depth of the Democratic bench. Together, Harris and Walz offer a compelling vision for the future, one that starkly contrasts with the increasingly "weird" and out-of-touch rhetoric coming from the Republican ticket.