Far-left Rep. Jamaal Bowman praised Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to include Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on the Democratic ticket, declaring in an impassioned video that their victory would bring “real freedom” to Americans.
Sen. Bowman (D-NY) posted the moving video on his way out of a rally for Harris in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, where she introduced Walz as her running mate, just hours after announcing the surprise pick.
“Incredible! Inspiring, uplifting, brings joy back to politics,” Bowman raved. Videos shared on X.
“We’re talking about real freedom: freedom from gun violence, freedom for women to choose what they want to do with their bodies. We’re taking America back for its people!” he continued.
As he made his way through the crowd, enthusiastic “Yes!” cries of agreement could be heard off-camera.
The congressman praised Walz, whose progressive record as Minnesota governor has pleased other members of the left-wing “Squad.”
“Our North Star, our Governor, has signed universal school meals, paid family and medical leave, marijuana legalization, and reproductive rights protections into law,” said Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.). I wrote to X.
But Walz has drawn the ire of conservatives such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who called the pair “the most left-wing pairing in American history.”
Governor DeSantis accused the former high school teacher of “burning Minnesota” at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests in response to the 2020 killing of George Floyd.
Walz has also faced criticism from the right over efforts to make Minnesota a sanctuary state, which would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Still, his name has had little impact outside his home state: An NPR/PBS/Marist poll released Tuesday found that 71% of U.S. adults either don’t know who he is or don’t know what to think of him.
As of Wednesday morning, it was unclear whether Waltz would face off against J.D. Vance, the best-selling author and politician who President Donald Trump picked as his running mate.
