1 May 2025: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) offered candid insights this week into why former Vice President Kamala Harris chose him as her running mate during the 2024 presidential election, describing his appeal to white swing-state voters as a key factor.
Speaking at Harvard University’s Kennedy School Institute of Politics, Walz said Harris’s team believed his Midwestern background, military service, teacher credentials, and role as a high school football coach could broaden the Democratic ticket’s appeal.
“I could code talk to white guys watching football, fixing their truck, doing that, that I could put them at ease,” Walz said. “I was the permission structure to say, ‘Look you can do this and vote for this,’” he added.
While Walz said he would like to believe his selection was based on his track record of progressive achievements in Minnesota, he acknowledged that political strategy played a significant role. “I’d love to think it was because I delivered amazing progressive things in Minnesota,” he said. “But I know a big part of it was trying to connect with voters we needed.”
Despite efforts to reach those voters, the Harris-Walz ticket fell short in the general election against President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. “We didn’t get enough of those votes,” Walz admitted. Reflecting on the campaign’s outcome, Walz conceded there were missteps during the Democrats’ 107-day sprint and said he is focused on helping the party rebuild.
“Donald Trump has been running since he came down that damn escalator and never stopped. We have to do the same thing or we’re not going to win,” he said.
Looking ahead, Walz emphasized the importance of preparing for upcoming elections and expressed cautious optimism. “I think we will take back the House,” he said. “I am very pessimistic about the Senate, just to be honest with you. With the way things work, I think it’s a very difficult look.”
Tim Walz 2028?
Though his name has surfaced in early speculation about the 2028 presidential race, Walz told CNN earlier this month, “I am not thinking about running in 2028.” He has also floated the idea of seeking a third term as Minnesota governor.
In the meantime, Walz has been working to energize the Democratic base by holding town halls across the country, channeling voter frustration with the current administration. “I think there’s a lot of wind at our back,” he said. “But it’s been 100 days of destruction.”
Summary:
Tim Walz said Kamala Harris picked him to appeal to rural white voters, citing his relatable background and communication skills during the 2024 presidential campaign.