Here is what voters should consider.
A top strategist from the Obama administration has given considerable recognition to a Midwestern governor for his bold campaign to secure a position on the ticket of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. David Axelrod, who served as the chief strategist for President Obama’s successful campaigns, recently lauded Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on social media. Axelrod’s praise highlights Walz’s vigorous efforts to be considered for the vice presidential slot alongside Harris.
Axelrod’s commendation came with a shared link to a Politico article that praises Walz’s “Midwest grit” and his notably aggressive pursuit of the vice presidential nomination. While much of the speculation around Harris’s potential running mates has focused on Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Walz is also in contention. Other prominent names on the broader list include Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Before becoming governor in 2019, Walz served for 12 years in Congress. His career prior to politics included over two decades of service in the Army National Guard and a role as a social studies teacher.
Recently, Walz drew attention for his remarks about former President Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, which he described as “just weird” during an MSNBC interview. This comment has been embraced by Harris and other Democrats, who have used the term “weird” to criticize their opponents and their policies.
In response, Trump’s team has pushed back against this characterization. On Sunday, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung shared a video of Walz’s comments and accused Harris and her supporters of engaging in misleading tactics. Cheung specifically pointed to allegations from Harris’s camp that attempted to distort reality regarding a shooting incident at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, claiming it was staged. This move by Trump’s team highlights the escalating tensions and competing narratives as the vice presidential selection process continues.
