When Kamala Harris chose Tim Walz, the relatively unknown governor of Minnesota, the media response followed a clear trend.
There was also an element of astonishment, as many believed Josh Shapiro was the clear front-runner, considering the significance of Pennsylvania.
Most journalists and commentators who celebrated Walz as the running mate praised his character. With his background as a former football coach and pheasant hunter, he epitomizes rural America—down-to-earth, humorous, and someone who had to inform the campaign he wouldn’t read speeches from a teleprompter.
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Indeed, Harris presented Walz as a husband, father, educator, and representation of traditional values, frequently referring to him as Coach.
In contrast, critics of the selection attacked his policy record, pointing to the very liberal measures he has implemented in Minnesota, enabling the Trump campaign to label the new ticket as the most left-wing in American history.
Politics encompasses both policy and personality, with the latter potentially being the deciding factor. Just look at the fierce loyalty that MAGA supporters have for Trump.
(KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images/File)
However, it appears Harris might have overlooked just how liberal her new partner is. Instead of opting for a more centrist candidate, she opted for someone who leans even further left than herself.
If the Vice President ends up losing Pennsylvania—and consequently the election—there will certainly be a wave of criticism regarding the decision to overlook Shapiro. While he may not have guaranteed the state, a margin of just 10,000 votes could have shifted the outcome.
Yet, many are quickly rallying behind the Walz campaign.
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CNN Senior White House Correspondent M.J. Lee remarked that Walz “embodies the proud, the resilient, the hard-working patriotic middle of the country.”
Meanwhile, MSNBC’s Jonathan Lemire noted: “This is how they presented him. He has that charming Midwestern appeal. Highlighting his biography is certainly warranted; it’s truly impressive.”
Vanity Fair’s Molly Jong-Fast echoed this sentiment on the same network, stating: “He ice fishes, hunts, and even engages in butter carving. He truly represents a success story from rural America.”
Walz indeed boasts a compelling personal narrative, with 24 years in the National Guard. Both he and Harris delivered inspiring speeches at their Philadelphia event.
However, critics hold a contrasting view.
Media pundits took to social media with thoughts on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Federalist Editor-in-Chief Mollie Hemingway remarked: “Tim Walz is primarily known as a staunch progressive leftist.”
FOX’s Jesse Watters added, “This guy is not Minnesota Nice; he’s Minnesota Nuts. … Sanctuary cities. Driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. Sanctuary cities supporting gender transitions for minors.”
A dissenting voice on CNN, conservative Scott Jennings, questioned, “Is it customary to allow your state’s largest city to burn for four days while you, as governor, do nothing amidst the destruction of thousands of businesses and property damage worth hundreds of millions?”
This refers to the Minneapolis riots following George Floyd’s death, during which it was determined that Walz delayed calling in the National Guard, resulting in widespread violence.
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Walz recently earned some credibility with Harris’ supporters during TV appearances by labeling the opposition as “weird,” a phrase that has gained traction among Democrats.
Trump commented on Harris and Walz during an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” stating, “Nobody realized how radically left she is. But he’s a smarter version of her, for what it’s worth.”
He also posted, “What are the odds that Crooked Joe Biden, the WORST President in U.S. history, whose Presidency was Unconstitutionally STOLEN by Kamala, Barack HUSSEIN Obama, Crazy Nancy Pelosi, Shifty Adam Schiff, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, and other members of the Lunatic Left, CRASHES the Democrat National Convention to reclaim the Nomination…”
There’s no doubt that a coordinated effort by the pro-Hamas faction of the Democratic Party contributed to Shapiro being pushed out of contention. His pro-Israel stance, while common in the party, is complicated by his Jewish identity.
Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro is seen at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony during Wawa Welcome America on July 4, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
However, various other factors may have come into play. Reports from Politico and elsewhere indicate that Harris’ interview with Shapiro went poorly, and he conveyed uncertainty about leaving the governorship. Shapiro also frustrated the campaign with numerous queries about his authority level.
Harris, having experienced her own tensions with Joe Biden, felt significantly more at ease with Walz, who expressed willingness to serve in a supportive role without aspirations beyond being VP.
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JD Vance, who held a press conference in Wisconsin yesterday, told reporters that Harris “should be ashamed” for not having conducted a single interview. On Tuesday, the vice president did briefly address reporters off the record, her usual mode of communication.
Walz has participated in numerous interviews, including appearances on Fox News. Will he continue to engage with journalists? If he does, he will face many inquiries regarding his past positions and the reasons behind Harris’ avoidance of the press—a critique often directed at Biden, yet journalists have generally overlooked it concerning Harris.
