Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is set to campaign with her newly chosen running mate, Tim Walz, on Wednesday. They will hold events in key battleground states Wisconsin and Michigan, providing an early assessment of Walz's appeal in the Midwest. This marks Walz's inaugural campaign tour since being selected as Harris's vice-presidential candidate on Tuesday. Walz, the governor of neighboring Minnesota, is a former Army National Guard veteran and teacher, bringing geographic balance to the ticket led by a Californian, crucial for winning the November 5 election. As a former congressman from a Republican-leaning district, Walz has a history of connecting with rural, white voters who have increasingly supported Donald Trump. Trump referred to Walz as a 'shocking pick' in an interview on Fox News, attempting to portray him as a radical progressive. Trump also expressed his willingness to debate Harris soon, with details to be announced, and preferred Fox News as the host. Last week, Trump proposed a debate with Harris on Fox News on September 4, while the Harris campaign claimed he was trying to avoid a previously scheduled debate on ABC on September 10.
Democrats view Wisconsin and Michigan as essential victories in the 2024 election, following Hillary Clinton's unexpected losses in these states that contributed to Trump's 2016 victory. Biden won both states in 2020, but faced a tight race in Michigan before withdrawing last month, amid tensions over his administration's support for Israel in the conflict with Hamas. Republican vice-presidential candidate, Senator JD Vance, is also scheduled to speak in Eau Claire on Wednesday, following Harris and Walz's campaign trail. The Democratic campaign plans to visit several critical states, aiming to introduce Walz, who is less known nationally. At their first rally together in Philadelphia, Harris emphasized Walz's background as a small-town native, high school teacher, football coach, and Guardsman. Walz, known for his friendly and down-to-earth demeanor, did not shy away from criticizing Trump and Vance, addressing issues like abortion, crime, and the economy. Harris's ascent to the top of the Democratic ticket has significantly altered the race, with polls showing her closing Trump's lead and receiving a surge of donations.
The Harris campaign announced raising over $20 million on Tuesday following Walz's selection. Trump and Vance quickly criticized Walz as too liberal, echoing their frequent criticisms of Harris. Trump described them as the 'most Radical Left duo in American history' on his social media platform. Vance, speaking in Philadelphia before Walz's campaign debut, criticized Walz's handling of protests following George Floyd's death in 2020. He argued that Walz's selection reflects Harris's inclination to appease the most radical elements of her party. Walz, elected as Minnesota's governor in 2018, has implemented progressive policies such as free school meals, climate change measures, middle-class tax cuts, and enhanced paid leave. Harris considered several other candidates for her running mate, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, given the strategic importance of his state in the upcoming election.
