Former President Donald Trump expressed surprise on August 7th when Vice President Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
Prior to the confirmation of Walz as Harris’s vice presidential pick, there was widespread speculation that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro or Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona would be chosen.
In an interview with Fox News’ morning program Fox and Friends on Wednesday, Trump stated, “I would say my reaction is I can’t believe it. I never thought this was going to be the one that was picked.” He described Walz as a “very, very liberal man” and referred to the decision as “shocking.”
Trump expressed his excitement about the choice, saying, “I’m thrilled… I could not be more thrilled.”
As the Governor of Minnesota, Walz has implemented a progressive agenda, including initiatives such as free school meals, climate change goals, and expanded paid leave for workers in Minnesota. His handling of the protests and riots in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd in 2020 has also drawn attention, with some conservative commentators and Republicans highlighting his record on social media.
These comments from the former president offer a glimpse into the potential focus of his campaign messaging regarding Walz and Harris in the months leading up to the November election. Trump attempted to draw parallels between Walz and Senator Bernie Sanders, referring to them as a unique ticket.
“I’m going to be working my tail off to make sure we make Kamala Harris and Tim Walz the next leaders of the United States of America,” said Governor Josh Shapiro, showing his support for the Democratic ticket. He emphasized his reliance on family and faith, and expressed pride in his religious beliefs.
“Over the next 90 days, I look forward to traveling all across the Commonwealth to unite Pennsylvanians behind Kamala Harris’ campaign to defeat Donald Trump, become the 47th President of the United States, and build a better future for our country,” he added.
Shapiro also dismissed any speculations of joining Harris’s cabinet, stating, “Pennsylvanians elected me to a four-year term as their governor, and my work here is far from finished.”
In his debut appearance as Harris’s running mate, Governor Tim Walz highlighted his accomplishments as Minnesota’s governor, his upbringing in Nebraska, and his service in the National Guard. Prior to becoming governor, Walz served as a congressman for Minnesota’s 1st district for 12 years.
He also talked about his hometown of West Point, Nebraska, a small town with a population of 400, where he spent summers working on the family farm. Walz emphasized his ability to compromise without compromising his values during his time representing Minnesota’s 1st District.
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