Digest

This episode of the 538 Politics podcast delves into the selection of Tim Walls as Kamala Harris's running mate for the 2024 presidential election. The hosts discuss Walls's background, highlighting his experience as a governor, congressman, and military veteran. They analyze his progressive record and how it might appeal to both progressives and moderate voters. The hosts explore the reasons behind Harris's choice of Walls, suggesting that he was selected to appeal to a broad range of voters, including progressives, moderates, and those who might be uncomfortable with a woman or a person of color at the top of the ticket. They examine Walls's record as governor and congressman, noting his progressive stances on issues like abortion, education, and climate change. The hosts also discuss the Republican attacks on Walls, focusing on his support for progressive policies and his handling of protests in Minnesota. They analyze Joe Biden's statement on Tim Walls, noting his emphasis on Walls's experience, leadership, and commitment to working families. The hosts debate the potential impact of the VP pick on the election, acknowledging that VP picks typically don't have a significant impact on turnout. However, they argue that Walls's selection could help to maintain the positive momentum surrounding Harris and provide a fresh face for the campaign. The hosts discuss the importance of frustrating partisan perceptions in competitive elections, arguing that both Democrats and Republicans are unpopular and that winning candidates need to appeal to voters as Americans rather than as members of a specific party. They explore the potential impact of Walls's selection on key swing states, noting that his home state of Minnesota is relatively competitive but not as crucial as states like Pennsylvania or Wisconsin. They discuss Walls's potential to appeal to voters in Wisconsin, where he has a progressive reputation but has managed to perform well in traditionally labor-friendly areas. The hosts discuss the reasons why Harris chose Walls over other potential running mates, suggesting that her decision was influenced by her desire for a governing partner who she could trust and who would not upstage her. They also note that Walls's positions on issues like the conflict in Israel and Gaza might have made him a more palatable choice for the Democratic Party than some other candidates.

Outlines

00:00:12

Tim Walls's Background and Ideology

The hosts delve into Tim Walls's background, highlighting his experience as a governor, congressman, and military veteran. They discuss his progressive record and how it might appeal to both progressives and moderate voters.

00:00:58

The Rationale Behind Harris's Choice

The hosts explore the reasons behind Harris's choice of Walls, suggesting that he was selected to appeal to a broad range of voters, including progressives, moderates, and those who might be uncomfortable with a woman or a person of color at the top of the ticket.

00:01:33

The Impact of the VP Pick on the Election

The hosts debate the potential impact of the VP pick on the election, acknowledging that VP picks typically don't have a significant impact on turnout. However, they argue that Walls's selection could help to maintain the positive momentum surrounding Harris and provide a fresh face for the campaign.

00:21:52

Walls's Potential Impact on Key States

The hosts explore the potential impact of Walls's selection on key swing states, noting that his home state of Minnesota is relatively competitive but not as crucial as states like Pennsylvania or Wisconsin. They discuss Walls's potential to appeal to voters in Wisconsin, where he has a progressive reputation but has managed to perform well in traditionally labor-friendly areas.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the key reasons why Kamala Harris chose Tim Walls as her running mate?

  Harris likely chose Walls because he appeals to a broad range of voters, including progressives, moderates, and those who might be uncomfortable with a woman or a person of color at the top of the ticket. He also has a strong record on issues like abortion, education, and climate change, which could help to energize the Democratic base.

• How might the Republican Party attack Tim Walls in the upcoming election?

  Republicans are likely to attack Walls for his progressive record, his handling of protests in Minnesota, and his support for policies like sanctuary cities and driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants. They may also try to paint him as more left-wing than Harris, hoping to alienate moderate voters.

• What is the potential impact of the VP pick on the 2024 election?

  While VP picks typically don't have a significant impact on turnout, Walls's selection could help to maintain the positive momentum surrounding Harris and provide a fresh face for the campaign. He could also help to appeal to voters in key swing states like Wisconsin, where he has a progressive reputation but has managed to perform well in traditionally labor-friendly areas.

• Why is it important for candidates to frustrate partisan perceptions in competitive elections?

  Both Democrats and Republicans are unpopular, and winning candidates need to appeal to voters as Americans rather than as members of a specific party. By frustrating partisan perceptions, candidates can present themselves as more moderate and appealing to a broader range of voters.

• What are some of the key issues that are likely to be at the forefront of the 2024 election?

  Key issues in the 2024 election are likely to include the economy, immigration, abortion, and democracy. Voters are also likely to be concerned about the rising cost of living, the state of the economy, and the future of American democracy.

Show Notes