Harris/Walz

Vice President Harris has chosen Gov. Tim Walz (Minnesota) as her vice presidential candidate. He appeared to be the best choice from the final shortlist. The final shortlist reportedly was Gov. Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania) and Sen. Mark Kelly (Arizona).

A few people alleged opposition to Gov. Shapiro arose from anti-semitism since he and Walz had about the same position on Israel. OTOH, Shapiro had various specific concerns, including his position on vouchers, and a few ways he expressed his position (including a whole KKK reference that is not as bad as it sounds but was still dubious).  

Shapiro and Kelly were on short lists significantly because they are from swing states. I am not quite sure what else Kelly brings to the table, especially since he has a competitive Senate seat and has a few positions that might upset the base. 

Yes, he is a former astronaut and as a swing state senator might "balance" things out some. But, he didn't appeal to me.

A few other governors also were possibilities. I like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and she was my choice in 2028 before Kamala Harris was running now. I was wary about two women on the ticket but some people said that was silly. Anyway, she did not seem to want to run, even if Harris was interested. The governors from North Carolina and Kentucky also received some love. 

Tim Walz, who I do not even recall hearing about (probably did) before now, has various positives. One political reporter summarized some reactions from top Democrats:

• organized labor pleased, motivated to rally
• progressives are comfortable w/ him
• centrists/vulnerable Ds sigh of relief since he's seen as folksy, funny
• military service, educator roots get DNC spotlight

A professor and previous White House advisor for Native Affairs added:

Walz is a *chef’s kiss* pick for Native Americans.

This guy picked White Earth Nation citizen Peggy Flanagan as his Lt. Gov., taught on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, was 1st Gov. to visit all 11 MN Tribes, & opened MN State-Tribal Relations & MMIP Offices.

A trans activist discussed what he did for trans people. Gov. Walz is reportedly the one who started the now viral labeling of Republicans as "weird." He has experience as a legislator and two-term governor (Shapiro is younger and is in the middle of his first term). He comes off as a "normal grandpa" (he's the same age as Harris but looks older). 

Shapiro would have been fine. I feared he would trigger various groups. There is also apparently something where he is friendly with someone with a sexual harassment problem. Or something.  He also comes off as (like Harris) more of a coastal liberal insider type. Walz balances the ticket more. Finally, he's young. He can be on a future ticket. 

Secretary Pete Buttigieg also received some love. He's great. I think he's great where he is at and maybe President Harris (knock on wood) can put him in her Cabinet in another role. He does turn off some people, apparently, and not sure if it's time for a gay vice president. Also, it's good for the vice presidential candidate to have more executive experience.

A vice presidential candidate usually does not affect the chance of winning much but like oral arguments in Supreme Court cases, you want to try not to hurt your chances. You also do not want to rob Peter to pay Paul (removing someone from a swing Senate seat).  The candidate also should be comfortable with the candidate. Walz fits the boxes.

Harris/Walz. Let's do this. And, let's win the Senate, so Walz can break ties. He will be the president of the Senate regardless, but it is much less likely that he will have a chance to break ties if Republicans control the body. Vice President Biden never had a chance to break a tie in eight years! 

ETA: Gov. Shapiro's rip-roaring introduction speech helps explain why people are excited about the guy. 

My support for Walz should not be inferred to ignore Shapiro's bona fides. Net, I think Walz is a better choice at this time, for this ticket.  

A few people, and trolls on the Republican side, have framed opposition to Shapiro as anti-Semitic. Dubious at best as a whole. One strong Israeli supporter argued there was no daylight between Shapiro and Walz on the issue. I don't think this passes the smell test.

I think other things dominated the choice, including a recognition that Shapiro won't help much to win Pennsylvania, but the Israel/Gaza issue was a red flag. Walz was not some big lefty on the issue. 

But, there very well was daylight there.