Kamala Harris has chosen her running mate for the US presidency, after weeks of speculation.
While one of the front-runners for the position, this final pick was not the top of some people’s lists for various reasons, although the potential vice president does offer some important advantages for the Democrats’ chances in the election.
Shapiro Out
The pick means that Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania governor, misses out, this time, on the chance to run for Vice President of the USA.
Shapiro had been widely tipped as favorite for the role, and led the odds with some bookmakers as recently as last week.
Walz In
The Shapiro snub means that the other front-runner for the position, Minnesota governor Tim Walz, received the nod.
Walz effusively thanked Harris for the selection, saying “it is the honor of a lifetime to join @kamalaharris in this campaign,” on X.
Walz Resume
Walz was born in Nebraska, and enlisted with the National Guard when he was 17. He was with them for 24 years, reaching the rank of command sergeant major.
He got a teaching degree from Chadron State College, before teaching in China for a year with a volunteer organization, then in Nebraska, and finally Minnesota, where he coached the football team.
Unknown Element
Walz may come in as something of an unknown for the majority of Americans outside Minnesota, who are still forming their first impressions of the governor.
In a recent Ipsos survey, only 13% of Americans believed they knew him well enough to venture an opinion of him.
Historical Support From NRA
When Walz ran as governor back in 2010, the National Rifle Association were effusive about his gun rights advocacy.
They gave him an A in their assessment of him as a candidate, citing his support for gun-friendly laws such as permitting guns to be carried in national parks.
Failed the Retake
However, the NRA’s more recent 2018 assessment of his gun control policies was somewhat less enthusiastic.
He was awarded an F grade for his support of such gun laws as the ‘red flag’ laws and an expansion of background checks.
Supporter of Abortion Rights
Walz has earned a reputation as a supporter of abortion rights, especially following the overturning of Roe vs Wade, a landmark case that had helped establish women’s freedom of abortion in the US.
He swiftly reacted to the Supreme Court decision by passing a Minnesota law that, in effect, emphasizes the right to make “autonomous decisions” regarding reproductive health.
Rapid Republican Reaction
Trump’s team were quick to react to the announcement, attacking Walz as a “liberal extremist” and “west coast wannabe”.
Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, was critical of Harris’ choice: “It’s no surprise that San Francisco liberal Kamala Harris wants west coast wannabe Tim Walz as her running-mate – Walz has spent his governorship trying to reshape Minnesota in the image of the Golden State.”
National Reception
Walz has developed a reputation, among the minority who know of him, as a straight-talker who can turn Republicans.
However, this reputation will now have to be tested on the world’s biggest political stage.
