Meet Coach Walz

In a surprising turn of events, Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential race. This decision comes as Harris seeks to gain ground against former

President Donald Trump with just over three months until Election Day.

Watch Walz's First Address as a VP nominee

For those unfamiliar with Walz, he's been serving as Minnesota's governor since 2019. Prior to that, he represented the state in Congress from 2007 to 2019. But Walz's background goes beyond politics:

• He's a former Army National Guard member

• He worked as a teacher, including on a Native American reservation

• At 60, he's seen as a moderate Democrat with strong Midwestern appeal

Why Walz?

Harris praised Walz for his "convictions on fighting for middle class families" and his commitment to family values. It's clear the campaign sees Walz as someone who can connect with working-class and rural voters - demographics where Democrats have struggled in recent elections.

As governor, Walz has notched several progressive accomplishments:

• Ensuring free meals at state universities

• Protecting abortion rights

• Banning conversion therapy

• Expanding voting rights for former inmates

The Political Calculus

Choosing Walz is a strategic move aimed at shoring up support in the Midwest. Minnesota is expected to be a key battleground state, and recent polls show Harris with a slim lead there. The campaign likely hopes Walz can help solidify that advantage and potentially boost their chances in neighboring swing states.

Republican Response

The Trump campaign wasted no time attacking Walz, labeling him a "left-wing extremist" and criticizing his policies. This sets the stage for what will likely be a heated battle for the Midwest.

What's Next?

Harris and Walz are set to make their first joint appearance in Philadelphia. As the race heats up, all eyes will be on how this newly formed ticket performs and whether it can effectively challenge Trump's bid to return to the White House.

Stay tuned as we continue to cover this developing story and its implications for the 2024 election.

What are your thoughts on Harris choosing Walz? Does this change your view of the race? Let us know in the comments!