- Harris and Walz are starting a swing-state tour.
The day after their grand debut, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her newly chosen running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, embark on a tour through particularly hotly contested states. The Democratic duo's kickoff in Philadelphia, the most important swing state of Pennsylvania, is followed by appearances in Wisconsin and Michigan, marking the start of the intense phase of the campaign. Meanwhile, Republican incumbent Donald Trump dispatches his running mate, J.D. Vance, to the same states.
Harris and Walz were greeted with thunderous applause in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening (local time). Harris, after President Joe Biden's decision not to run for re-election, moved to the forefront. Her official nomination was originally scheduled to take place at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19 to 22 but was brought forward due to bureaucratic reasons and conducted digitally.
At their first joint appearance, Harris exuded confidence. "We have the momentum, and I know exactly what we're up against," said the 59-year-old, praising her running mate as a leader - Walz is "the kind of vice president America deserves." She highlighted Walz's support for military veterans, unions, abortion rights, and stricter gun laws, among other things.
Walz takes aim at Trump and Vance
Walz, who has been Minnesota's governor since 2019 and previously served as a representative in the House for many years, is known for his down-to-earth nature and direct way of communicating political messages. Before entering politics, he worked as a teacher for many years. He is married and has two children, and his wife, Gwen, is also a teacher.
Many were surprised that Harris ultimately chose a candidate without a strong national profile. In his new role, Walz immediately launched a verbal attack on the Republican opposition, making fun of Trump and Vance and accusing them of dishonesty. "Donald Trump isn't fighting for you or your family," Walz said of the former president. He then added, reflecting on his own upbringing in rural Nebraska, "He's never sat at a kitchen table like the one I grew up with, wondering how to pay the bills. He's been sitting in his country club at Mar-a-Lago, figuring out how to cut taxes for his rich friends."
For Trump's running mate, Vance, Walz had sarcasm to spare: "Like all normal people I grew up with in the heartland, J.D. went to Yale, had his career funded by Silicon Valley billionaires, and then wrote a bestseller trashing the people of his home state." The audience responded to the joking vice president with loud cheers.
Fundraising continues to flow
The "momentum" is also paying off financially for Harris and Walz. According to The New York Times, the pair raised over $20 million (around $18 million) in campaign donations on Tuesday alone (about $18 million). The fundraising platform ActBlue, which is affiliated with the Democrats and also benefits other candidates, reportedly received an average of $3 million (around $2.7 million) per hour in donations within half a day.
The Democrats are currently riding a small wave of success, not only financially. Harris's entry into the race for the White House has also sparked enthusiasm among celebrities in Hollywood. For example, model Chrissy Teigen shared a photo on Instagram of herself wearing a Harris shirt. Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis posted a photo of Harris and Walz on the same platform with the caption: "Let's go, America!"
At the event hosted by Harris and Walz in Wisconsin, indie band Bon Iver will provide musical accompaniment, as previously seen with rapper Megan Thee Stallion at a solo appearance by Harris. Speculation now arises as to whether even bigger names might soon publicly campaign for the Democrats, such as Beyoncé or Taylor Swift.
Trump rants on Truth Social
The Republican opposition, following the announcement of Walz as vice president, sought to portray the duo as extreme. "This is the most radical duo in American history," Trump wrote on his online platform Truth Social. "There's never been anything like it, and there never will be." The 78-year-old also described Harris as "crazy." His vice-presidential candidate, Vance, used similar language. The choice, he said, "underscores how radical Kamala Harris is." He accused the Democrat of "belonging to the Hamas wing of her own party."
Walz is particularly supported by the left wing of the Democrats, which advocates for a more Israel-critical stance than the party's center. He has repeatedly questioned the Middle East policy of the Biden administration. So far, Walz has been rather reserved in his comments on the situation in the Middle East.
Walz is not a purely left-wing candidate. He has also received support from the center of the party, such as from former US President Barack Obama. Obama praised his party colleague Harris' choice of an "ideal partner." Walz, he said, has "the values and integrity to make us proud." US President Biden also expressed his approval.
Children excitedly cheered as Governor Tim Walz spoke at the event, highlighting his support for issues important to families such as education and affordable healthcare. Walz, a father of two, emphasized the need for policies that prioritize children's well-being and future success.
