By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
As they made their first appearance as presidential running mates on Tuesday night, Tim Walz turned to Kamala Harris and mouthed "wow." This reaction not only reflected the enthusiastic Philadelphia crowd but also underscored the unexpected journey the Minnesota governor had taken over the past week.
Walz was not a prominent name on early lists of potential vice presidential picks. Yet, on Tuesday, the underdog emerged victorious. In a year where "vibes" have played a crucial role in politics affecting perceptions of the economy and the campaign Harris has opted for the positive energy that Walz exudes.
Walz embodies the "midwestern nice" persona, maintaining an affable demeanor even when delivering sharp political critiques. His background as a teacher, football coach, and Army National Guard soldier resonates with "meat and potatoes middle America," further accentuated by his unassuming, slightly disheveled appearance.
This charm was evident in Philadelphia. Highlighting rising crime rates during Trump's presidency, he humorously noted, “and that doesn’t even count the crimes he committed.” Labeling the Republican ticket as “weird as hell,” a phrase quickly adopted by Democrats, he advocated for a hands off government stance on abortion with the midwestern adage, “Mind your own damn business.”
Walz’s mix of humor and political jabs, along with his expression of “joy” in Democratic politics, may appeal more to undecided voters than the previous “threat to democracy” narrative of the Biden campaign.
His relatable charm contrasted sharply with other potential choices like the polished Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and the disciplined Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Shapiro, despite his hero's welcome from the home state crowd, came with baggage that could have divided the Democratic base.
Choosing Walz, a safer bet, bypassed potential rifts and capitalized on his midwestern appeal, which could sway voters in crucial states like Wisconsin and Michigan, despite Minnesota not being a battleground state.
Walz has a history of winning over rural and Republican voters, demonstrated by his 2006 victory in a Republican held House seat. His ability to defend progressive policies in a manner palatable to moderates and independents adds to his appeal. As a Nebraska native, his influence might also extend to this small yet potentially pivotal battleground state.
Nancy Pelosi, a key figure in Biden stepping aside for Harris, has lauded Walz, recalling his instrumental role in securing the House majority for Democrats in 2006. However, Republicans are poised to counter these positive perceptions. The Trump campaign has labeled Walz as a "dangerously liberal extremist" and criticized his handling of the 2020 George Floyd protests. They view him as an easier target compared to the centrist Shapiro, who might have boosted Harris in Pennsylvania.
Despite this, portraying Walz's friendly, down to earth persona as a radical threat poses a challenge for the Trump campaign. With 91 days until election day, the new Democratic ticket is gearing up for the final stretch. “That’s easy,” Walz quipped about the remaining campaign period. “We can sleep when we’re dead.”
