Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate has been met with jubilation from radicals and socialists across the country, galvanizing some Republicans who say the pair are radical left candidates.
Walz’s selection as the Democratic nominee for president in 2024 was announced on Tuesday, shocking many who had assumed Harris would choose Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has been described by Democrats as a “more moderate” candidate.
Some on the left had lobbied against Shapiro and were ecstatic about the selection of Waltz, who has taken left-leaning positions on many issues, including immigration, and many welcomed him as one of their own.
‘Thank you, Kamala!’: Republicans pay tribute to Tim Walz as GOP prepares to take on progressive Democratic candidates
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, arrive at a campaign rally in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Luke)
“Harris’ selection of Waltz as her running mate is [Democratic Socialists of America] “And our allies on the left are a force to be reckoned with. Through collective action, DSA and the American left more broadly have made it clear that change is needed. DSA members have organized in workplaces and unions, and reorganized the labor movement to support Palestinian liberation,” the Democratic Socialists of America said. The largest socialist organization in the United States., posted on Tuesday by X.
Democratic socialist icon Bernie Sanders, who had urged Harris to choose Walz as her running mate, was similarly pleased.
“[Walz] is a great asset [Harris’] “He won the campaign and he won the administration. He’s a former public school teacher, football coach and strong union supporter,” Sanders said on X. “As governor, he served working families in Minnesota. As vice president, he’ll serve working families in America.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) called the selection a “great decision.”
Democratic Socialist Group Boasts Its Role in Placing Waltz Harris as VP Candidate
“Together, they will govern effectively, comprehensively and boldly for the American people. From health care to school lunches, they will never back down when the going gets tough,” she said on X. “Together, we’ll do this.”
Fellow “Squad” member Ilhan Omar similarly had rave reviews about Waltz.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) was one of several left-leaning Democrats who praised the selection. (Fox News)
“Our North Star, our governor, has signed universal school meals, paid family and medical leave, marijuana legalization and reproductive rights protections into law,” she said. “He’s bringing what’s great about Minnesota to the race.”
“It’s Walz, baby, let’s go!!” said Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-New York.
While there are rarely any bad endorsements, this one emboldened Republicans in their efforts to portray Harris-Waltz as a candidate from the far left.
“Harris picked Walz because she felt Bernie. Thanks, Kamala! Gov. Tim Walz is a radical leftist’s dream.” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R.S.C.he said.
Harris’ VP nominee faces new criticism as ‘bizarre’ comparison to socialism resurfaces
“Democrats have made history by nominating Harris-Waltz as the most radical, far-left candidate in history to run in November’s election,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), chair of the House Republican Conference. “Waltz is a failed congressman and a failed governor who supported a campaign to defund police and burn down cities while Kamala raised money to release violent criminals from prison.”
Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican from neighboring Wisconsin, wrote in a statement, “Tim Walz stood by and did nothing while Minnesota burned. Kamala Harris helped get rioters out of prison while Minnesota burned. This is a socialist’s dream.”
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Waltz rejects comparisons with socialism, instead portraying it in a positive light by linking it to “love of neighbor.”
“We must never shy away from our progressive values.” Minnesota Democrats “One man’s socialism is another man’s neighborliness,” he said during a conference call last week with “White Men Supporting Harris.”
Fox News’ Emma Colton, Liz Elkind and Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
