Philadelphia, August 07, 2024, The Europe Today: Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, showcased his rural roots and warned that Donald Trump would take the United States “backwards” as he made his debut appearance as Kamala Harris’s running mate at a spirited Democratic Party rally on Tuesday night.
The event in Philadelphia saw the newly announced vice-presidential nominee address thousands of enthusiastic supporters, just hours after being named Harris’s pick. The rally was marked by fervent speeches and vocal support, setting the stage for the upcoming election battle.
“Our Republican rivals in November’s election are weird as hell,” Walz declared, drawing loud applause and cheers from the crowd. His remarks were aimed at highlighting the stark contrast between the Democratic and Republican visions for the country.
The Trump campaign wasted no time in responding, labeling Walz a “dangerously liberal extremist.” The 60-year-old governor is seen as a candidate capable of winning back rural and working-class voters who have shown support for Trump in key Midwestern states.
Addressing the crowd in the pivotal swing state of Pennsylvania, Vice President Harris acknowledged the challenging road ahead, stating that she and Walz were the “underdogs” in what promises to be a closely contested election. She introduced Walz as “a fighter for the middle class, a patriot.”
Walz, in turn, shared his background growing up in a small Nebraska town, his service as a national guardsman, and his career as a teacher, contrasting his life experiences with those of former President Trump. “He doesn’t know the first thing about service – because he’s too busy serving himself,” said Walz, a former army sergeant and football coach.
The crowd erupted in cheers when Walz addressed Trump’s criminal record, leading to chants of “lock him up” echoing through the arena. His criticism of the Republican challengers as “creepy and, yes, just weird as hell” also resonated with the audience.
Throughout the rally, Harris and Walz emphasized their commitment to defending individual freedoms, including abortion rights and protection from gun violence. Walz’s plain-spoken, folksy style was evident as he delivered a pointed message on abortion access: “Mind your own damn business!” This statement garnered a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 10,000 at Temple University.
Harris and Walz have embarked on a five-day tour of key battleground states, aiming to galvanize support ahead of the Democratic National Convention, scheduled from August 19 to 22 in Chicago.
As a two-term governor of Minnesota, Walz has overseen significant legislative achievements, implementing a progressive agenda that includes guaranteed abortion rights, gun control measures, and paid family leave. These accomplishments align with Harris’s national vision, according to a source close to the vice-presidential selection process.
However, Walz has faced criticism from Republicans for his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, including mask mandates and the shutdown of businesses and schools. His response to the unrest following George Floyd’s murder has also been a point of contention.
Earlier on Tuesday, J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, criticized the new Democratic ticket, suggesting that Harris’s choice of Walz demonstrates her alignment with the “most radical elements of her party.”
The Trump campaign reiterated this stance, stating, “Just like Kamala Harris, Tim Walz is a dangerously liberal extremist, and the Harris-Walz California dream is every American’s nightmare.”
As the election season heats up, the Harris-Walz ticket is set to present a formidable challenge to their Republican counterparts, with both sides gearing up for a fiercely contested race.
