It's officially Harris/Walz now (that's a good thing)

It's late now, but earlier today I awoke to the news that Kamala Harris had picked Tim Walz as her running mate. Harris had plenty of good choices. Walz signals to me that she is building something akin to the Obama/Biden coalition of 2008 and 2012. Tim Walz, as Governor of Minnesota since 2019 presides over what is arguably a purple state. It's not really a swing state when it comes to Presidential elections. Minnesota also borders Wisconsin (which is a true swing state). Like the other "blue wall" states in the Midwest, it is both an industrial and agricultural state. Walz himself hails from rural Nebraska. He's made a career in the military and as a high school educator, and has worked in a relatively GOP-leaning area in Minnesota for most of his career. As a Congress member from 2007 until 2019, Walz earned a reputation as a moderate who worked with his GOP colleagues to pass legislation. As Governor of Minnesota, he's presided over an impressive number of progressive reforms, especially since the Democratic Party gained narrow majorities in both of its legislative chambers last year. For those looking for a champion of progressive policy as well as a pragmatic leader who can find common ground, he's a solid pick. Teachers tend to know a thing or two about unions, and he's been a champion of unions, which matters to folks like me who understand the importance of organized labor. As is true with many of my friends who hailed from the Great Plains, Walz is an avid hunter. And just in general he comes across as a regular guy. For those who supported Biden in 2020 but have been on the fence this year, I hope they find Walz as relatable as I do. And in an election season where vibes matter, Walz is very energetic and positive. That will go a long way. My guess is that Walz will be an asset especially in the "blue wall" swing states in the Midwest. Maybe as a Nebraska native he might help Harris pick up the Omaha electoral vote. At minimum, elsewhere he will do no harm. Again, in the more unionized Sun Belt states like Nevada, he'll probably help. We'll have to see. The energy is definitely looking good for those of us who identify as Democrats. The polling is looking very promising. We may be just three months away from Election Day, but there is now plenty of reason for hope. Onward.

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