7 key takeaways from Kamala Harris, running mate Tim Walz's first rally together

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her newly selected vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, launched their campaign together in Philadelphia on Tuesday (August 6). This was the first time the two campaigned together.

Here’s a look at the 7 key takeaways from their rally at Temple University:

1. Introducing Tim Walz to the national stage
   Tim Walz, previously known for his gubernatorial work in Minnesota, was introduced to a national audience. Walz shared his humble beginnings from a small town in Nebraska, his 24 years in the Army National Guard, and his career as a high school social studies teacher and football coach. His personal story aimed to resonate with everyday Americans, emphasizing his commitment to public service and the common good.

2. A strong Attack on Donald Trump and JD Vance
Walz wasted no time taking on the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, and his running mate, Senator JD Vance. In his speech, Walz criticised Trump for sowing chaos and division, mishandling the COVID-19 crisis, and increasing violent crime during his presidency. This attack dog role, traditionally expected of vice presidential candidates, showcased Walz’s readiness to challenge the opposition despite his typically affable demeanor.

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3. Reproductive rights at the forefront
Walz took a firm stand on women’s reproductive rights, a contentious issue since the US Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to end the constitutional right to abortion by striking down Roe v. Wade. His emphatic message, “mind your own damn business,” regarding personal reproductive choices, drew loud approval from the audience, highlighting a significant policy difference between the Democratic and Republican tickets.

4. Harris’ confidence in Walz
Kamala Harris praised Walz’s extensive and varied background, from his roles as a husband and father to his public service as a teacher, coach, veteran, congressman, and governor. She projected confidence that he would add “Vice President of the United States” to his list of titles, underscoring her belief in his ability to connect with and inspire Americans.

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5. Fundraising boost
   The announcement of Walz as Harris’ running mate resulted in a substantial fundraising boost for the campaign, with over $20 million raised. This financial support reflects a surge in enthusiasm among Democratic donors and supporters, potentially giving the campaign a significant advantage in the upcoming election.

6. Focus on battleground states
The rally in Philadelphia marked the beginning of a multi-day tour through critical battleground states, including Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada. Pennsylvania, being a pivotal state, set the stage for their campaign’s strategic focus on securing crucial swing states. Their campaign’s success in these areas could determine the election outcome.

7. Republican rivals hit back
Trump and Vance quickly criticised the Harris-Walz ticket as being too liberal. Vance specifically attacked Walz’s handling of the George Floyd protests in 2020, claiming he was not assertive enough. However, Walz’s progressive agenda, including free school meals, climate change goals, tax cuts for the middle class, and expanded paid leave for workers, positions him as a candidate who appeals to a broad base, particularly among rural and white voters.

The rally demonstrated the Harris campaign’s strategy to leverage Walz’s strengths and appeal to diverse voter demographics. As the election race heats up, the dynamic between the Harris-Walz ticket and their Republican opponents will be critical in shaping the political landscape leading up to November 5th.

With inputs from Reuters