Who Is Tim Walz? Why Harris Picked Minnesota Governor as VP Running Mate | WSJ

Summary

In this political analysis, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is highlighted as Kamala Harris's running mate. A former school teacher and military man, Walz brings a moderate yet progressive stance to the Democratic ticket. His success with rural voters and ability to connect with urban and suburban constituents could strengthen the party's position in the Midwest. Despite criticism over his response to the George Floyd protests, Walz's political evolution and appeal to a broad demographic make him a strategic choice for the Harris campaign.

Takeaways

• 📢 Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, indicating a strategic political move.
• 🏫 Tim Walz has a background as a former school teacher and a military serviceman, bringing a diverse set of experiences to the table.
• 🏛 Walz is a seasoned Washington lawmaker with a moderate profile, yet he has adopted progressive causes during his tenure as governor.
• 💰 Despite being a moderate, Walz lacks an extensive fundraising base and is not widely known among the general public.
• 🌟 Walz's selection comes at a time when Harris has solidified her support among Democrats post President Biden's exit from the race.
• 🎖 He has a proven track record of winning among rural voters, which is crucial for states like Minnesota that Republicans aim to target.
• 👨‍🌾 Walz's every-man persona allows him to connect with farmers, suburban, and urban voters, enhancing his appeal across different demographics.
• 🏆 First elected to Congress in 2006, Walz unseated a long-standing Republican, showing his political prowess.
• 🔫 Initially rated A by the NRA, Walz shifted his stance post-Parkland shooting to support gun control measures, reflecting his adaptability.
• 🏙️ As Minnesota's governor, Walz has overseen a Democratic-controlled legislature with a progressive agenda, including universal school meals and marijuana legalization.
• 🌱 He is notably progressive on issues like climate change and environmental policies, as well as infrastructure spending.
• 🚨 Walz faced criticism for his handling of the civic unrest following George Floyd's murder, particularly regarding the mobilization of the National Guard.
• 📜 In response to the unrest, Walz signed a police reform bill, banning choke holds and requiring intervention in cases of excessive force by officers.
• 🎉 His description of Trump and JD Vance as 'weird' has resonated and become a recurring theme in his political discourse.
• 🐶 Walz has shown a propensity for attack dog tactics in his appearances, particularly in his criticism of JD Vance.
• 🗳️ Minnesota is traditionally a Democratic stronghold, but Trump's close call in 2016 and subsequent efforts indicate a competitive landscape.
• 🎉 The Harris-Walz ticket is set to be highlighted at the Democratic National Convention, providing an opportunity for Walz to introduce himself to the nation.

Q & A

Who was named as Kamala Harris's running mate in the script?

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was named as Kamala Harris's running mate.

What is Tim Walz's background before entering politics?

Tim Walz was a school teacher for over two decades and also spent time in the military.

How is Tim Walz described in terms of his political stance?

Tim Walz is viewed as a moderate figure who has picked up a number of progressive causes as governor.

What was Tim Walz's initial profession before he became a politician?

Tim Walz was a school teacher before he entered politics.

What is significant about Tim Walz's election to Congress in 2006?

He managed to unseat a six-term Republican in one of the state's more conservative districts.

What rating did Tim Walz receive from the National Rifle Association (NRA)?

Tim Walz was once given an A rating from the NRA.

How did Tim Walz's stance on gun control change after the Parkland shooting in 2018?

After the Parkland shooting, he pivoted to support background checks, leading to the NRA disavowing many of his proposals.

What was Tim Walz's margin of victory when he ran for Minnesota governor in 2018?

He won by more than 11 percentage points.

What progressive agenda did Tim Walz oversee as governor?

He supported universal school meals for children, codifying abortion rights, legalization of recreational marijuana, and was very progressive on climate change, the environment, and promoting infrastructure spending.

How was Tim Walz's handling of the civic unrest following George Floyd's murder received?

He faced criticism for not acting quickly enough to quell the violence and for not quickly bringing in the National Guard to restore order.

What word did Tim Walz repeatedly use to describe Trump and his running mate, JD Vance?

Tim Walz repeatedly used the word 'weird' to describe Trump and JD Vance.

What is the significance of Tim Walz's background and persona for the Democratic party?

Tim Walz's every-man persona and background as a teacher and military veteran can appeal to a broad range of voters, including farmers, suburban, and urban residents.

What is the strategic importance of Minnesota in the upcoming election according to the script?

Minnesota is a state that Democrats really can't lose, and it is seen as a place where Trump and JD Vance could potentially cut into the Democratic battleground map.

What is the role of the Democratic National Convention in relation to the Harris-Walz ticket?

The Democratic National Convention, convening during the week of August 19th in Chicago, will be a platform to cement the nominations of the Harris-Walz ticket.