Does the Tim Walz Pick Matter?

Darian Menace

When Donald Trump picked the polarizing JD Vance as his running mate, it was seen as a misstep – doubling down on the MAGA base rather than broadening his appeal. Now, in a surprising move, Kamala Harris has selected Tim Walz, the 60-year-old Governor of Minnesota, as her running mate. Has Harris made the same mistake, rallying the progressive wing at the expense of appealing to moderates?
Pundits like Jonathan Chait are fretting that Harris missed a golden opportunity to signal a shift to the center. “What the selection does,” he wrote, “is forfeit her best opportunity to send a message that she is a moderate.” But there are good reasons to believe Walz could compensate for some of Harris’ weaknesses, particularly in the Midwest.
Walz, a former high school teacher and football coach, has carved out a reputation as a straight-talking, no-nonsense leader. His blunt, plain-spoken style has made him a social media sensation, earning him legions of fans who appreciate his authenticity. Critically, Walz hails from the heartland, having grown up in Nebraska before moving to Minnesota in the 1990s. His Midwestern roots and appeal could help shore up support in a region that has proven challenging for Democrats in recent elections.
Moreover, Walz’s background as a long-serving Congressman and National Guard veteran gives him credibility on foreign policy and national security issues. His vote against intervening in Syria in 2013 and calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza war could help neutralize attacks from the Republican ticket on these fronts. Crucially, Walz’s personal story around IVF and reproductive rights stands in stark contrast to Vance’s controversial statements on women’s issues – an area where Harris will be eager to draw a clear distinction.
To be sure, Walz will face tough questions about his handling of the 2020 George Floyd protests in Minneapolis. The perception that he was slow to deploy the National Guard has become a rallying cry for Republicans. Walz must provide a clear, compelling explanation for his actions, likely by highlighting his own military service and commitment to public safety.
Ultimately, the significance of the Walz pick may be overstated. As Trump himself acknowledged, the vice-presidential nominee’s impact on the election outcome is often negligible. Voters are far more likely to be swayed by the top of the ticket, the state of the economy, and the broader political climate.
Nevertheless, Walz’s selection represents a savvy play by Harris to shore up support in the Midwest, appealing to both progressives and moderates. Whether it proves a masterstroke or a misstep, only time will tell.