Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is stepping into the spotlight this week as he embarks on his first solo events as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. He is making a five-state tour to raise campaign funds and address a key union gathering. Walz will be speaking at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees convention in Los Angeles, which has endorsed Harris. He will also headline a campaign fundraiser in Newport Beach, California, followed by events in Denver, Boston, Newport, Rhode Island, and Southampton, New York.
After joining Harris on a tour of battleground states last week, Walz is now focusing on fundraising efforts. The two held rallies in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada to introduce themselves to voters nationally. Meanwhile, Ohio Senator JD Vance, who was announced as Republican Donald Trump’s running mate, had his own rollout overshadowed by unforeseen events, including an assassination attempt against Trump and President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection and endorse Harris.
Walz has been emphasizing positivity and kindness during his early campaign appearances, but he has not shied away from criticizing Trump’s policies and legal issues. Vance, on the other hand, has adopted a more combative approach, attacking the Democratic ticket as too liberal for most Americans. He has also raised questions about Harris’ choice of Walz as a running mate over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, suggesting that Shapiro’s support for Israel in the conflict with Hamas may have been a factor.
Vance has also criticized Walz’s military record, accusing him of misleading the public about his service in Iraq. He claimed that Walz used “stolen valor garbage” by implying combat experience that he did not have. Orange County Republican Party Chairman Fred Whitaker echoed these criticisms, calling Walz’s military record into question. Vance has also faulted Harris and Walz for not sitting for media interviews, highlighting the need for transparency and engagement with the press.
While Harris has yet to participate in a major interview since Biden stepped back from the race, she has expressed a willingness to do so in the near future. Vance, on the other hand, has been engaging with a variety of podcasts to reach a younger demographic. At 40 years old, he is positioned to connect with a different audience than the older candidates at the top of the ticket. Overall, both campaigns are ramping up their efforts ahead of the 2024 election, with fundraising, media engagement, and public appearances playing crucial roles in shaping the race.
