Kamala Harris and Tim Walz held their first joint rally as the Democratic presidential ticket on Tuesday night, drawing a crowd of more than 10,000 supporters at Temple University.
Minnesota Governor Walz, introduced by Harris as a “fighter for the middle class” and “a patriot,” emphasized his rural roots and criticized former President Donald Trump, claiming he would take the U.S. “backwards.” Walz’s remarks drew loud cheers, especially when he targeted Trump’s criminal record and labeled the Republican challengers as “weird as hell.”
The rally marked Walz’s debut as Harris’s running mate, just hours after his selection was announced. Walz, who has a background in teaching and serving in the National Guard, sought to appeal to rural and working-class voters who have leaned towards Trump in key Midwestern states.
Harris and Walz’s campaign pitch focused on defending individual freedoms, including abortion rights and gun safety. Walz, in particular, resonated with the crowd when he told Republicans to “mind your own damn business” regarding abortion access.
The new Democratic ticket is embarking on a five-day tour of battleground states and will also speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19-22.
Republicans quickly criticized Walz, with Trump calling him a “dangerously liberal extremist” and comparing him to progressive Senator Bernie Sanders. Trump expressed surprise at Harris’s choice, suggesting it would provide easy targets for criticism.
Walz, a former congressman and current two-term governor, has overseen significant legislative achievements in Minnesota, including abortion rights and gun control measures. His record, however, has faced scrutiny from Republicans, particularly regarding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests.
The rally also featured Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, another contender for Harris’s vice-presidential slot, who has faced criticism from the left. Trump suggested that Harris’s choice of Walz over Shapiro was “insulting” to Jewish voters.
Before becoming governor, Walz represented a Republican-leaning district in Congress and has a history of farming, hunting, and teaching. His personal background includes 24 years in the Army National Guard and a career in education.
