Minnesota Governor Walz Becomes Harris's Running Mate

After Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. The 60-year-old Democrat and veteran has garnered widespread attention through a series of candid television appearances. Under his leadership, Minnesota has become a model of liberal policies and this year became one of the few states to protect fans purchasing tickets online for concerts and other live events.

Here are several key points about WALTZ:

Representative of the American Heartland

Waltz was born in Wahoo, Nebraska, a small town located northwest of Omaha with a population of about 3,500. He joined the National Guard and worked as a teacher in Nebraska. In the 1990s, he moved with his wife to Mankato in southern Minnesota, where he taught sociology and served as a high school football coach, leading the team to a state championship. Waltz served 24 years in the Army National Guard, ultimately rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major.

Cross-Party Communication Skills

In 2006, Walz demonstrated his ability to communicate with conservative voters when he first ran for Congress. He defeated the incumbent Republican congressman in a predominantly rural district, successfully leveraging voters' dissatisfaction with the sitting president and the Iraq War. During his time in Congress, he has been committed to supporting veterans' affairs. Walz has also showcased his approachable side through social media, frequently posting videos of interactions with his daughter.

The Importance of the Midwest States

Although Walz is not from key "blue wall" states like Wisconsin, Michigan, or Pennsylvania, his geographical location is adjacent to these states. His addition can help ensure that Minnesota continues to maintain a Democratic advantage, which is crucial since the state has not been won by a Republican presidential candidate since 1972. Walz is adept at discussing issues that concern Rust Belt voters and has consistently supported core Democratic issues such as union organization, workers' rights, and raising the minimum wage.

Experience in Dealing with Disputes in Government

During his first term as governor, Walz faced partisan divides between the state House and Senate. Nevertheless, he successfully reached compromises with lawmakers, allowing the divided government to maintain efficiency. His decision to use emergency powers to close businesses and schools during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked controversy, but he successfully defeated his Republican opponent in his second term and pushed for more liberal policies with the Democratic Party controlling both chambers.

Candid Political Style

Waltz is known for his straightforward speaking style. In a television interview, he referred to certain political opponents' words and actions as "very strange" and cited their repeated mention of fictional characters in speeches to support his point. This phrase quickly became a catchphrase among Democrats and may become a hallmark slogan in the 2024 election.

In addition, Wals has attracted attention for advocating stricter regulation of the cryptocurrency industry.