Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. presidential election, officially announced on August 6 the selection of Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota, as her running mate. The announcement was made on X, following revelations from American media. This strategic choice marks the beginning of a multi-day tour in key states, in view of the November election.
Kamala Harris, current Vice President of the United States, hopes to consolidate her candidacy by partnering with a respected governor. Since Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, she has established herself as the leading figure of the Democratic Party. Her experience as a senator and California Attorney General is significant. Additionally, her four years as Vice President make her a robust and experienced candidate.
Tim Walz, 60 years old, has been governor of Minnesota since 2018. Before his political career, he served in the Army National Guard and was a geography teacher and football coach. Known for his skillful management and pragmatic approach, he managed to get re-elected in a traditionally Republican district for twelve years. As governor, he has taken progressive measures such as free meals in public universities. Additionally, he has banned conversion therapies.
The Harris-Walz campaign will kick off tonight with a rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and will continue in other swing states. Their goal is to demonstrate their complementarity and appeal to a broader electorate, particularly rural voters and WASPs.
Donald Trump and his campaign team were quick to react. Labeling Tim Walz as a "dangerous leftist extremist," they hope to sow doubt in the minds of voters. Trump, who chose J.D. Vance as his running mate in July, has not had the same success. Vance has sparked several controversies, already weakening the Republican campaign.
Kamala Harris’s choice of Tim Walz is a crucial step in her campaign. They will have little time to convince voters before the November 5 election. Their success will depend on their ability to unite and mobilize broad support.