Just a couple of weeks ago, Democrats seemed hopeless. Then Biden was gone, and now Kamala Harris and Tim Walz seem to be on the winning side.
Tim Walz appears to be a strong vice presidential candidate for the Democrats for several reasons:
- Political experience: Walz has significant political experience, serving as Minnesota’s governor since 2019 and previously spending 12 years in the U.S. House of Representatives[4]. This background provides him with valuable legislative and executive experience.
Progressive record: As governor, Walz has successfully pushed for a slate of progressive policies, including legislation protecting abortion rights, expanding background checks for gun purchases, and legalizing recreational cannabis[4]. This record is likely to appeal to the Democratic base.
Midwestern appeal: As a Minnesota governor, Walz brings a Midwestern perspective to the ticket, which could be valuable in swing states[3]. His background as a former teacher and high school football coach may also resonate with voters[5].
Military background: Walz is a veteran of the Army National Guard, which could broaden his appeal to voters who value military service[2].
Party unity: Democrats who were considered for the VP position, including Pete Buttigieg, Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly, and Andy Beshear, have rallied around Walz, indicating strong party support[3].
Approval ratings: Walz has a 55% approval rating among Minnesota citizens, suggesting he is well-liked in his home state[4].
Ability to critique opponents: Walz has shown an ability to effectively criticize Republican opponents, which could be valuable during the campaign[4].
However, there are potential challenges:
- National recognition: Only 13% of Americans knew Walz well enough to form an opinion about him, indicating that he may need to work on building national recognition[4].
Past controversies: His handling of the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis faced some criticism and could be a point of attack for opponents[4].
Overall, while Walz brings several strengths to the ticket, his success as a VP candidate will likely depend on how well he can introduce himself to a national audience and address any criticisms of his record.
Citations:
1. Oregon Capital Chronicle – Citing Integrity, Union Support, Normality, Dems Rally Around Walz as VP Choice
2. Wall Street Journal – Who is Tim Walz? Harris VP
3. CNBC – Harris Running Mate Walz Democrats VP
4. The Guardian – Tim Walz: VP Beliefs, Policies, Record
5. U.S. News – Who is Gov. Tim Walz? Kamala Harris’s Pick for Vice President
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