Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) could feel similar to a Democratic running mate the public has seen before.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), who ran with Hillary Clinton in 2016, shares a lot of similarities with the Midwestern governor. And how they relate goes deeper than their shared first name.
“From one Tim to another, congratulations on becoming Kamala Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz,” Kaine posted on X, celebrating the selection of Walz. “What a great choice. Let’s win this thing!”
Kaine was the lieutenant governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006 before taking over as governor for a term. Walz has been governor of Minnesota since 2019. They’re governors of states that have been fairly competitive in recent years but in general lean Democratic. Trump lost both Minnesota and Virginia in 2016 and 2020.
Another critical contrast between the two is their “nice guy” personas. Walz has cultivated a “Midwestern dad” sort of image, while Kaine endured accusations of being too nice during the 2016 cycle. A Washington Post article noted that “2016 is not the year of the nice guy.”
They also will both serve as running mates to aspiring female presidents with a messaging focus around that possible American first. Kaine also has a Minnesota connection — he was born in St. Paul before moving to Kansas. Walz was born in Nebraska.
Where they differ could prove important, too.
Unlike Kaine, Walz appeals to “blue wall” voters who Clinton lacked in 2016, and he appears to be a more effective offensive choice after he went viral for his comments calling Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) “weird.”
Those qualities could help push Harris over the edge when Kaine couldn’t make the difference in a race where Clinton was largely favored. Walz likely hopes his vice presidential candidate legacy doesn’t end in defeat, as Kaine’s did.
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Walz appeared excited to be Harris’s running mate in a social media post Tuesday, calling it the “honor of a lifetime.”
“It is the honor of a lifetime to join Kamala Harris in this campaign,” Walz posted on X. “I’m all in. Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school. So, let’s get this done, folks! Join us.”