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Hello, Vice President Kamala Harris entered the presidential race a little over two weeks ago as an underdog. Since then, Democrats have captured new energy from their base and Harris's polling has only gotten better. Now Harris has made her first major decision as the Democratic nominee, choosing a vice-presidential running mate of her own. After weeks of speculation — with names like Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro floated as contenders — Harris picked Tim Walz, a small-town veteran, former member of the House, and the current governor of Minnesota. Senior correspondent Zack Beauchamp argues that Walz's selection is a victory for the left, even if Walz isn't a leftist. In fact, Beauchamp writes that Walz has taken more moderate positions on a number of hot-button issues: |
"Record-wise, it might seem like there are two Tim Walzes: the progressive governor beloved by the American left, and the centrist member of Congress who predated him. Yet in actuality, the two men are easier to reconcile than you might think. The 'Minnesota Miracle' reforms, enacted in a single legislative session, read like a progressive wishlist. They include paid family leave, free school meals, marijuana legalization, a 100 percent clean energy mandate by 2040, and a slew of protections for organized labor. But I use the word 'progressive' and not its cousin 'leftist' deliberately. The Minnesota Miracle policies are all squarely within the Democratic mainstream: none betray an ideological commitment to the party's socialist or otherwise radical wings." |
"Record-wise, it might seem like there are two Tim Walzes: the progressive governor beloved by the American left, and the centrist member of Congress who predated him. Yet in actuality, the two men are easier to reconcile than you might think. The 'Minnesota Miracle' reforms, enacted in a single legislative session, read like a progressive wishlist. They include paid family leave, free school meals, marijuana legalization, a 100 percent clean energy mandate by 2040, and a slew of protections for organized labor. But I use the word 'progressive' and not its cousin 'leftist' deliberately. The Minnesota Miracle policies are all squarely within the Democratic mainstream: none betray an ideological commitment to the party's socialist or otherwise radical wings." |
The Trump campaign has targeted Walz's handling of the Black Lives Matter protests in his state. Senior reporter Christian Paz breaks down what Walz actually did in 2020. Meanwhile, senior correspondent Eric Levitz explores whether Harris made the right pick in choosing Walz over Shapiro, her other reported finalist and the popular governor in a crucial swing state. With 90 days until the US election, there will undoubtedly be more to unpack in the coming months. Vox needs your support to continue producing in-depth explainers and thoughtful analysis that address your most difficult questions. To support our independent journalism through this critical period, consider giving a gift or becoming a Vox Member. |
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