Kamala Harris has picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who used to be a teacher and a congressman, as her choice for vice president. Harris announced on social media that she chose him because he deeply cares about middle-class families. However, the Trump campaign called Walz a “dangerously liberal extremist.” Walz is seen as someone who can attract rural and working-class voters, especially in important Midwestern states.
Walz and Harris will start their campaign together on Tuesday at an event in Philadelphia, then tour key battleground states for five days.
They will also speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19 to 22, where their ticket will be officially confirmed. Walz said it was “the honor of a lifetime” to join Harris. Harris was chosen as the Democratic presidential nominee through a virtual vote that ended on Monday.
They will face Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, in the election on November 5.
Walz, a former football coach and teacher, gained support from labor groups and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party during the vetting process.
He made headlines by calling Trump, Vance, and their supporters “weird,” a term Harris and other Democrats have since used. The Trump campaign criticized Walz, calling him a “West Coast wannabe” and a “dangerously liberal extremist.”
A source told CBS, a BBC partner, that Walz was chosen for his experience and success as a governor. His compelling background and strong connection with Harris also played a role.
Gun safety groups praised his stance after the 2018 Parkland school shooting, and youth voter groups expressed excitement about his selection.
President Joe Biden said Walz and Harris would be strong defenders of personal freedoms and democracy, leading America on the global stage.
As Minnesota’s governor, Walz has led significant legislative changes, securing abortion rights, passing gun control measures, and introducing paid family leave.
However, Republicans criticized his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and his delay in deploying the National Guard during the George Floyd protests. Before becoming governor, Walz represented a Republican-leaning district in Congress for 12 years.
Born in rural Nebraska, Walz grew up farming and hunting, served in the Army National Guard, and taught school in China and Nebraska.
His wife, Gwen Whipple, a fellow teacher, brought him to Minnesota, where he continued teaching and coaching football.
Walz entered politics after volunteering for John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign, sparked by an incident involving his students at a George W. Bush event .
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c51yewxgd4qo