Election 2024 live updates: Harris to name her VP pick today; Vance holds rally in Philadelphia
NBCAug 16
Kamala Harris Selects Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Running Mate
Above: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks to reporters after a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on July 03, 2024 in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
2024 Democratic nominee Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her vice presidential running mate on Tuesday. The duo will take on GOP nominee Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.
Harris said her decision was influenced by Walz's "convictions on fighting for middle class families," as well as his "deep commitment to his family." Walz is also popular among Democrats for his affirmative stance on abortion, gun control, and child tax credits.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Harris made a tremendous choice, as Tim Walz has proven himself to be an effective and energetic communicator who isn't afraid to stand up to the Trump Republicans. What's more, he is a veteran from a working-class background who has a reputation for bipartisanship and fighting for Middle America. Walz draws a sharp contrast with the doom-and-gloom GOP, and will help the Democrats cross the finish line in November.
Republican narrative
While Tim Walz purports to be an average Joe, he really supports a radical progressive agenda that most Americans will turn their backs on. As governor, Walz allowed riots to ravage his state unabated in 2020 and instituted draconian COVID restrictions. He also isn't from a swing state, which means Harris' decision to bypass Pennsylvania's Shapiro was likely to appease anti-Israel radicals in the Democratic Party.