US presidential election: Why did Kamala Harris choose Tim Walz as her VP?

The selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as United States Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate came after a swift and intense vetting process.

This process, notable for its speed, unfolded against a backdrop of political uncertainty, especially following US President Biden’s unexpected decision to step aside on July 21. Biden endorsed Harris shortly after announcing his departure, shifting the focus to her choice of running mate.

The vetting process was overseen by a team of ten Harris aides, including campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, campaign Chief of Staff Sheila Nix, and senior adviser Cedric Richmond. The team was further supported by former US Attorney General Eric Holder, former White House counsel Dana Remus, and Tony West, Harris’s brother-in-law and a former Department of Justice official.

The initial list of potential candidates included up to a dozen names, which was quickly narrowed to nine who were asked to submit detailed materials for vetting.

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The finalists for the vice-presidential slot included Walz, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Notably, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper withdrew from consideration, choosing to focus on their gubernatorial duties. The final six candidates were scrutinised through a series of interviews, both virtual and in-person, culminating in a final round of personal meetings with Harris at the Naval Observatory.

Why did Harris choose Walz?

Tim Walz stood out in the selection process for several reasons. His two-term record as Minnesota’s governor included significant achievements in reproductive health access, paid leave, child tax credits, and gun safety.

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These policy areas align closely with Harris’s platform, providing a solid foundation for their campaign. Moreover, Walz’s background as a former high school teacher, football coach, and veteran added to his appeal. He successfully flipped a Republican-leaning district in 2006, showcasing his ability to win in challenging environments.

Harris and her team were particularly impressed by Walz’s communication style, reported Washington Post. He is known for his plain-spoken, down-to-earth demeanour, which resonated with voters and political figures alike.

His ability to critique opponents without heavy-handed rhetoric was exemplified in his comment on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” where he described Donald Trump and his allies as "weird." Walz’s use of humour and light-hearted criticism proved to be an effective way of engaging voters without resorting to aggressive tactics.

Also Read: Key takeaways from Kamala Harris, running mate Tim Walz's first rally together

In addition to his political and professional credentials, Walz’s personal experiences added depth to his candidacy. He has openly discussed his family’s struggles with infertility and their successful use of IVF, a narrative that aligns with the Democratic emphasis on reproductive rights.

When my wife and I decided to have children, we spent years going through fertility treatments.

I remember praying each night for a call with good news, or the agony when we heard the treatments hadn't worked.

When we welcomed our daughter into the world, we named her Hope. pic.twitter.com/3qyFeVTC8F

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) August 6, 2024

His relatable life story, combined with his political achievements, made him a strong contender for the vice-presidential nomination.

Why not Shapiro or Kelly?

Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania, emerged as a strong candidate with notable strengths and specific challenges. Known for his political acumen and fundraising capabilities, Shapiro was considered a potential asset for the campaign.

However, he faced criticism from progressive groups for his comments comparing pro-Palestinian college protesters to the Ku Klux Klan and his handling of a sexual harassment complaint in his office.

Despite denouncing sexual harassment and clarifying that he was unaware of the complaint until months after it was filed, these issues raised concerns among some within Harris’s team and the broader Democratic base.

Moreover, there was a sense that Shapiro’s interview with Harris did not go as well as hoped. A person familiar with his advisers told Politico that there was “not a great feeling” following their meeting. Shapiro’s hesitation about leaving his role as governor of Pennsylvania also added complexity to his candidacy, as he expressed uncertainty about stepping away from his current position.

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy captain, brought an impressive resume to the table. However, his candidacy faced obstacles, particularly regarding his stance on pro-union legislation, which drew criticism from some labour groups.

Additionally, there were concerns about his ability to inspire and excite voters on the campaign trail. Despite his qualifications, these factors contributed to Kelly’s placement behind Walz in the final decision-making process.

How was the final decision taken?

The final decision-making process involved a thorough review of each candidate’s qualifications and potential impact on the campaign. On the final weekend before the announcement, Harris and her closest aides, including former US Labour Secretary Marty Walsh and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, conducted in-depth interviews with the finalists.

These interviews delved into specific aspects of the candidates’ records, including Walz’s handling of the crisis following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Shapiro’s views on Gaza and Israel.

Outside pressure and endorsements also played a role in the process. For instance, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain expressed a preference for Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear but also praised Walz as a strong supporter of labour. This endorsement highlighted Walz’s appeal to key Democratic constituencies, including organised labour.

Ultimately, Harris’s decision was influenced by her personal chemistry with Walz and his strong governing record. The campaign team had prepared materials for all three finalists, including website graphics, videos, and stump speeches, in case the decision extended into Tuesday morning. However, by Monday night, Harris had made her choice.

Walz’s selection was met with broad approval within the Democratic Party, receiving praise from figures across the political spectrum. US Senator Bernie Sanders highlighted Walz’s relatable persona and advocacy for veterans’ rights, while Senator Tina Smith emphasized his infectious joy in public service.

.@Tim_Walz is a great asset to @KamalaHarris’ winning campaign & administration.

He is a former public school teacher, football coach, and strong union supporter.

As governor, he delivered for working families in MN. As VP, he will deliver for the working families of the US.

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 6, 2024

Even centrist US Senator Joe Manchin and progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez found common ground in supporting the choice.

My statement on Vice President Kamala Harris choosing Governor @Tim_Walz as her running mate: pic.twitter.com/bUON01Plsx

— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) August 6, 2024

Walz’s experience, combined with Harris’s leadership, is an attempt to present a compelling vision for the US as the duo head into the election campaign.

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With inputs from agencies