US: Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz as vice presidential running mate
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- Web Desk
- Aug 07, 2024
WASHINGTON: United States (US) Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential candidate for the 2024 US presidential election.
Kamala Harris informed Tim Walz of her choice via video call. Walz has served as Minnesota’s governor since 2019. He is a former high school teacher and Army National Guard veteran.
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Walz was chosen from a group of candidates that included Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Harris conducted interviews with the candidates before making her final decision.
Walz is recognised for his advocacy of progressive policies, such as cannabis legalisation and better worker protections. His selection is intended to appeal to voters in key battleground states.
The Minnesota governor also has a history of centrist positions from his time in Congress and has achieved significant legislative successes as governor, including the expansion of abortion rights and new gun safety laws.
Harris and Walz will begin a campaign tour across critical states starting with Pennsylvania. This tour aims to strengthen Democratic support in important regions of the US.
The choice has elicited mixed reactions. Some Republicans are relieved that Harris did not select other prominent figures like Shapiro, who was considered a strong candidate in Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s campaign criticised Walz, labeling him as excessively liberal and accusing him of aligning with the “anti-Semitic, anti-Israel left.”
The selection of Walz is part of Harris’s strategy to better the Democratic ticket’s appeal in key states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Read more: Kamala Harris rejects Trump’s debate offer
Harris’s decision follows President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race due to concerns about his ability to serve a second term. Since Biden’s exit, Harris has gained momentum, with recent polls showing her leading Trump by three points nationally.
