Democrats Celebrate Kamala’s VP Pick
As Vice President Kamala Harris made her highly anticipated announcement of her vice presidential candidate for the 2024 election, Democrats from a wide range of backgrounds are rallying around Governor Tim Walz (D-MN). Walz, who emerged as a top contender alongside Governor Josh Shapiro (D-PA) from a pool of Democratic governors and one senator, was named as Harris’s running mate on Tuesday. Walz described the selection as the “honor of a lifetime.”
Notably, prominent figures from the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, including Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), have publicly endorsed Harris’s choice. Ocasio-Cortez took to social media to express her support, stating, “Vice President Harris made an outstanding choice in Governor Walz. Together, they will lead with effectiveness, inclusivity, and boldness. They are prepared to tackle tough challenges, from healthcare to education. Let’s make this happen.”
Omar also celebrated Walz’s selection, referring to him as the “next Vice President.” She highlighted Walz’s record in Minnesota, noting his achievements in implementing universal school meals, paid family and sick leave, marijuana legalization, and protections for reproductive rights. Omar emphasized that Walz’s approach will bring a compassionate perspective to the national stage.
Bowman, meanwhile, expressed his enthusiasm in a video, cheering, “It’s Walz, baby! Let’s go!” He encouraged educators, working-class individuals, and young people to rally behind the ticket.
Harris’s decision comes amid speculation and anticipation about her running mate choice, as President Joe Biden has endorsed Harris as his successor. The selection of Walz could be seen as a strategic move to appeal to moderate and swing voters, especially given concerns about Harris’s liberal track record potentially alienating independent voters in a closely contested 2024 election.
On the other side, centrist Democrats such as Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) have praised Harris’s decision to select Walz. Manchin commended Walz for his potential to restore balance and unity in a politically turbulent environment. “Governor Walz is a standout choice who will help bring our country together and provide balance to the Democratic Party,” Manchin said.
This announcement has generated a rare moment of agreement between the progressive and centrist factions of the Democratic Party, including a playful remark from Ocasio-Cortez about the unusual alignment between her and Manchin. “Dems in disconcerting levels of array,” she quipped, referencing the media’s past description of the Democratic Party as being in disarray.
