Mainstream media seems united in their portrayal of Vice President Kamala Harris’ “folksy” running mate, Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
“It has come to our attention that Harris was quite taken by Governor Walz’s demeanor, describing him as possessing a joyful presence and a folksy charm,” remarked CNN’s Jim Acosta during Tuesday’s breaking news of his selection.
“Walz embodies the quintessential ‘all-American’ image of a person from the Midwest. He was a high school teacher, a football coach, and served in the Army National Guard before entering Congress and eventually becoming governor,” ABC’s George Stephanopoulos praised Walz’s background.
“Absolutely. He indeed has the ideal backstory,” ABC News correspondent Selina Wang concurred. “He has rural origins, and he is emerging as a dark horse in this vice-presidential race. He brings a folksy, personal, and informal approach that resonates with many Democrats. They believe his rural roots, along with his previous membership in the NRA, former high school teaching career, and coaching experience, will appeal to independent swing state voters.”
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The media largely celebrated Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s “folksy demeanor” following his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
CBS News correspondent Robert Costa highlighted Walz as “easy-going,” someone who can “share a laugh,” presenting himself as a “centrist Midwesterner” despite his popularity among progressives in the House.
“There’s a unique charm about a person who feels just as comfortable in a t-shirt and baseball cap as he does in a suit or tuxedo,” CBS’ Gayle King commented.
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MSNBC host Michael Steele dismissed claims from conservative critics that the Harris-Walz duo represents a “progressive” ticket, asserting that Walz’s previous voting record in Congress was “far from progressive.”
“It’s like comparing ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ to a genuine hillbilly,” Steele humorously stated, referencing Walz’s Republican counterpart, Sen. JD Vance.
Walz is set to clash with former President Trump’s vice-presidential selection, Sen. J.D. Vance, in the lead-up to November’s election. (Getty Images)
As highlighted by The Federalist’s senior editor David Harsanyi on X, numerous media outlets emphasized Walz’s “folksy demeanor” before and after he was officially named by Harris.
“The two-term governor and ex-House member has garnered attention for his folksy rebukes of Trump and backing for progressive initiatives in his state,” noted NBC News.
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“At 60, he brings forth a direct, uncomplicated, and sharp-tongued manner of addressing the Republican opposition,” BBC reported in a similar vein.
Financial Review featured a headline, “Folksy attack dog: Understanding Harris’s choice of Tim Walz as VP.”
NPR politics reporter Alana Wise stated, “The folksy Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been named as Kamala Harris’ vice-presidential candidate — earning the title of ‘America’s dad’ from various social media users.”
“Democrats are optimistic that Walz’s relatable demeanor will resonate with working-class voters — a demographic that connected with Biden, helping him reclaim the ‘Blue Wall’ states in 2020,” commented Politico.
On ABC’s “Good Morning America,” correspondent Selina Wang noted that Harris was “impressed by Walz’s straightforward, folksy manner.”
The New York Times also reported that Harris concluded her search for a VP by “promoting the folksy Midwesterner who transformed the word ‘weird’ into this summer’s signature political critique.”
Attendees prepare for U.S Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’ rally alongside her newly selected running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., August 6, 2024. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
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Harris revealed Walz as her running mate after a period of speculation surrounding potential candidates.
“As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he has delivered for working families like his own. We are thrilled to have him on our team,” Harris wrote on X.
While Democrats have swiftly accepted the Harris-Walz ticket, Republicans have shared their relief as they were concerned that Harris would select the popular Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, leaving the critical Keystone State still contested in the electoral landscape.
Contributions to this report made by Fox News Digital’s Brian Flood.
