Kamala Harris's VP Choice: Did She Make Her First Major Campaign Mistake?

[Social Media]

 

When Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, bypassing Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, it sparked immediate criticism and speculation. Many political analysts and insiders believe this decision marks a significant strategic misstep for Harris's campaign. 

 

First and foremost, the electoral importance of Pennsylvania cannot be overstated. As a pivotal battleground state, securing Pennsylvania is crucial for any presidential hopeful. Shapiro, with his impressive 64 percent approval rating, could have provided a substantial boost to Harris's chances in this critical state. In contrast, Minnesota is widely considered a safer state for Democrats, making Walz's addition less impactful in terms of electoral strategy.

 

Furthermore, selecting Shapiro would have offered a distinct generational appeal. At 51 years old, Shapiro represents a younger, more dynamic option, which would have presented a sharp contrast to former President Donald Trump. Although Walz is only nine years older than Shapiro and a few months older than Harris, he presents a much older image. This generational difference could have resonated with voters seeking a fresh perspective and a break from the past.

 

Another significant factor is Shapiro's perceived moderate stance, which could have attracted politically homeless Americans and moderate Republicans. His support for school vouchers, balanced approach to fracking, and strong condemnation of antisemitism by protesters against the Gaza war illustrate a centrist position that could appeal to a broader electorate. Walz's selection, however, might reinforce the perception of Harris as a left-wing liberal. Although Walz has a background that includes being a veteran and a high school football coach, his record, such as signing a law allowing undocumented immigrants to receive driver's licenses and his response to the George Floyd protests, provides ample fodder for Republican critics.

 

The issue of Shapiro's Jewish heritage has also been a point of contention. Some speculate that his Jewish background played a role in his being overlooked, given the potential for internal conflicts within the Democratic Party. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) articulated this sentiment, suggesting that Shapiro’s Jewish heritage was a major factor in the decision. "I think that clearly was a major factor, is that she was reluctant to put a vice presidential nominee on the ticket with Jewish heritage because they’re having a split in the Democratic Party," Johnson said. He further asserted, "Sadly for Josh Shapiro, because of his heritage, I think that is the reason he was overlooked."

 

Shapiro's strong leadership and balanced views, particularly on the Israel-Hamas conflict, garnered disproportionate scrutiny from the far left. Despite his pro-Israel stance, Shapiro has also voiced criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him "one of the worst leaders of all time." Supporters argue that the intense scrutiny he faced was fueled by antisemitism. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), a Jewish lawmaker, highlighted this issue, saying, "It has been very noticeable that of all of the people that she is carefully considering, that the only Jewish candidate is getting excruciating, very specific scrutiny, particularly around his positions on Israel."

 

In her social media announcement, Harris praised Walz for his impressive background and commitment to family. "But what impressed me most about Tim is his deep commitment to his family: Gwen, Gus, and Hope," she wrote, referencing Walz's wife and children. Shapiro, displaying sportsmanship, responded by calling Walz "an exceptionally strong addition to the ticket."

 

However, Speaker Johnson believes that Walz's selection will make it easier for Republicans to run against the Democratic ticket. He argued that Walz's background reflects the liberal lean of the party. "It makes it easier for us," Johnson said. "He is a far-left candidate and choice. I frankly thought that she might try to choose a moderate, but obviously she has proven once again who she is."

 

Johnson further criticized Harris's decision, asserting that it prioritizes party unity and base motivation over broader electoral outreach. This strategy mirrors that of past electoral approaches, which have often resulted in deeply entrenched political divisions. Susan Glasser, a staff writer for the New Yorker, echoed this sentiment, stating that the "Walz pick suggests Harris subscribes to the Obama (and Trump) theory of elections — it’s all about the base. Motivation over persuasion."

 

From the moment Joe Biden announced he was not seeking reelection until now, Kamala Harris had been playing what many considered perfect political baseball. However, her choice of Walz as her running mate is seen by many as her first unforced error. This decision reflects a missed opportunity to reframe the political landscape and potentially lift the nation out of its current political rut.

 

Credit: Hill  2024-08-08

 

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

[Tug]

I’m favorably impressed with him they seem to click he’s normal doesn’t put on airs has lead a life of service what’s not to like?

[Jingthing]

Not a mistake.

The democrats are unified.

The democrats are winning.

 

 

 

Edited August 7 by Jingthing

[gargamon]

Shapiro is a power hungry ladder climber. Walz has little desire to be president in 8 years. This was the better choice.

[Cryingdick]

No it wasn't a mistake. Beggars can't be choosers. 

[mushroomdave]

Mistake?????   5555555555555

 

" We're not going back !!"

 

 

Edited August 7 by mushroomdave

[Srikcir]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

Credit: Hill  2024-08-08

Hill is a publisher, not the writer.

Article written by Matt K. Lewis, opinion contributor - 08/06/24

"The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill"

Lewis is a center-right critic of American politics.

Why hide the author?

[thaipo7]

2 hours ago, Tug said:

I’m favorably impressed with him they seem to click he’s normal doesn’t put on airs has lead a life of service what’s not to like?

You talk about Trump's bone spurs and here you have a guy who ran from duty.  You should not be taken seriously by anyone.  What, you in line for you tampons?  Harris found some who is as radical or even more radical than her.

[thaipo7]

1 hour ago, gargamon said:

Shapiro is a power hungry ladder climber. Walz has little desire to be president in 8 years. This was the better choice.

No  -  Shapiro is Jewish.  Harris wants the Muslim and the River to the Sea crowd.  

[CANSIAM]

24 minutes ago, mushroomdave said:

Mistake?????   5555555555555

 

" We're not going back !!"

 

 

Need to be wearing this on your hunting trips down Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama way...........😉 

[Srikcir]

Another perspective:

The Right-Wing Attacks On Tim Walz Are Weird

Voters have repeatedly signaled that this is not a winning electoral strategy. By Nathalie Baptiste, Aug 7, 2024

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tim-walz-weird-attacks_n_66b3b3ebe4b0e4caf7f4fb63

• "The Republicans’ problem is now twofold. They seem to be unable to come up with attacks that can stick — especially to a politician who is white, Midwestern and moderate.

  Then there’s the fact that the Republican Party has abandoned any pretense of having a policy platform and has chosen to double down on its ever-growing list of white grievances. And while making deranged claims about Walz’s record may satisfy its base, the culture war-style attacks are becoming more inscrutable to the average voter with each passing day."

[Chomper Higgot]

34 minutes ago, thaipo7 said:

No  -  Shapiro is Jewish.  Harris wants the Muslim and the River to the Sea crowd.  

Unsubstantiated trolling.

 

But I do understand, you know the Harris Waltz ticket isn’t good news for your November hopes.

[Chomper Higgot]

Here’s weird.

 

When Vance was asked if he will debate Waltz, he replied he will only debate Harris because, here’s the weird bit, Waltz will be replaced as Harris’ VP pick.

 

Weird in so many fronts.

 

1. The GOP VP pick debating the Democrat Presidential candidate is not a thing. (That would be Trump’s job, and where is he?)

 

2. Vance must have found the idea Waltz is to be replaced in some weird corner of his imagination, or perhaps down the back of his sofa. Waltz is not going to be taken off the ticket.

 

3. There is a VP pick who has failed right out of the gate, a guy who is in very shaky ground and is in danger of being thrown under the 101 Bus to Rikers Island, his name, assuming he hasn’t changed it again, is JD Vance.
 

Voice your fears JD and hope the rest of us don’t notice.

 

 

Edited August 8 by Chomper Higgot

[sirineou]

She did not make a mistake.

Sapiro is a powerful orator, and would help with Pensilvania. But the question is , would he help more than he would hurt?

IMO He has 3 negatives that would hurt the ticket. 

  First he is Jewish, right or  wrong (IMO wrong) there are people who would not vote for a jewish president. and he would be a heart beat from the presidency. Antisemitism in America is a fact. 

  Second he did not have the support of some Unions, and he was for school vouchers,  

   Third he was Pro israel to the point of opposing a two state solution, He has recently tried to walk it back but you can bet  the republicans would had jumped all over it, and with only 88 days remaining in the election Harris can not afford going on the defence. 

   Walz is likable. it's the first thing you think about him when you hear him talk. He has a great life story, A classroom teacher, Football coach, life long in the military,. He is Americana. 

 If you want to know if he was a good choice just look at the latest polls. 

 

 

Edited August 8 by sirineou

[nobodysfriend]

Walz is a good choice .

He represents the average , working american much better than some other , more elitist candidates .

Together they will win ...

[Chomper Higgot]

4 minutes ago, nobodysfriend said:

Walz is a good choice .

He represents the average , working american much better than some other , more elitist candidates .

Together they will win ...

Also a gun owner who hunts and supports gun controls.

 

And…. he’s not weird.

[herfiehandbag]

I saw his acceptance speech. He is a good speaker, and seems a decent man, who can connect with people. 

 

I did like the line "mind your own business"!

 

He also has a sense of humour - perhaps essential in a leader. Apparently when asked about his receding hairline he remarked that if you had spent 20 years supervising a high school lunch hall you would have lost your hair as well!

 

Of course not up there with "childless cat lady" but nonetheless quite refreshing.

Edited August 8 by herfiehandbag

[stoner]

11 hours ago, herfiehandbag said:

I somehow doubt that at that age he was likely to have been considered for deployment. 

 

at the time he was a senior non-comissioned officer. whos battalion was preparing for deployment. 

 

but it seems that may be in question...

 

Army Lieutenant Colonel Kristen Augé, the state public affairs officer for Minnesota National Guard, told Just the News on Wednesday that the governor did not retire as "Command Sergeant Major Walz" in 2005, as stated on Minnesota's official website, but as master sergeant "because he did not complete additional coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy." A soldier who does not complete the requisite coursework is automatically demoted, according to Army regulations.

[sirineou]

10 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

He served 27 years in the National Guard - that means that when he left he would have been 45 or so.

 

I somehow doubt that at that age he was likely to have been considered for deployment. 

 

However, I am sure that you have the links to back that all up...

 "However, I am sure that you have the links to back that all up... "

Don't hold you breath . 

[Tug]

2 hours ago, JustMyOpinion said:

 "When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, you know what he did? He dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him, a fact that he's been criticized for aggressively by a lot of the people that he served with." 

 

1 hour ago, thaipo7 said:

You talk about Trump's bone spurs and here you have a guy who ran from duty.  You should not be taken seriously by anyone.  What, you in line for you tampons?  Harris found some who is as radical or even more radical than her.

The vp nominee was in the guard for 20 + years he did his bit.thaipo and just my opinion please answer a question for me I’ve never been able to understand how you trumpers support a draft dodging spoiled trust fund baby who was a riding daddy’s limousine around a nursing those pesky bone spurs to the discos .yes that’s your guy then he has the gall to disrespect a POW who at the same time was being beaten daily in the Hanoi hiltion?just how does that work?that’s not even touching the McCain family’s service to this country!and this is for you thaipo I’m delighted that Mr Walz was and is man enough to make sure our girls had the proper sanitary supply’s to take care of themselves and no kid was going hungry at school.personally I don’t see that as a problem I see that as a strength and likable.

[sirineou]

"Tim Walz is a Great Partner. Just Ask the Football Coach He Worked Under "

"Vice President Kamala Harris’ pick for her running mate is widely reported to be a former Minnesota high school football coach whose team won its first state championship ever. "

https://www.thedailybeast.com/tim-walz-is-a-great-partner-just-ask-the-football-coach-he-worked-under

 

[sirineou]

2 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

This is a bullsh!t accusation from a-holes desperate to attack an honorable man. Check out the timeline, it doesn't work. That dog don't hunt.

 

I love the smell of desperation in the morning. Shows the red hats have nothing but bullsh!t in their bag.

Well said 

[HappyExpat57]

25 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Also a gun owner who hunts and supports gun controls.

 

And…. he’s not weird.

It's my understanding Walz does not use eye-liner. The same can't be said for the losing team's VP.

[susanlea]

Walz is creepy.

[GammaGlobulin]

Americans LOVE a military man at the helm.

 

He was a master sergeant? 

 

https://www.newsweek.com/national-guard-disputes-tim-walzs-military-biography-1936038

 

[sirineou]

11 hours ago, sirineou said:

"Tim Walz is a Great Partner. Just Ask the Football Coach He Worked Under "

"Vice President Kamala Harris’ pick for her running mate is widely reported to be a former Minnesota high school football coach whose team won its first state championship ever. "

https://www.thedailybeast.com/tim-walz-is-a-great-partner-just-ask-the-football-coach-he-worked-under

 

Oh wait..

In fairness below is trump working out on a stairmaster. 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

4 minutes ago, susanlea said:

Walz is creepy.

The ‘I’m rubber, your glue’ response.

 

 

[susanlea]

5 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Americans LOVE a military man at the helm.

 

He was a master sergeant? 

 

https://www.newsweek.com/national-guard-disputes-tim-walzs-military-biography-1936038

 

Fake soldier, fake person like Kamala. Palin looks normal compared to these two.

[susanlea]

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

The ‘I’m rubber, your glue’ response.

 

 

You must support child sex changes then. Tim does. Weird and creepy.

[sirineou]

15 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Americans LOVE a military man at the helm.

 

He was a master sergeant? 

 

https://www.newsweek.com/national-guard-disputes-tim-walzs-military-biography-1936038

 

Nonsense!!

You really need to do your research before posting right wing talking point propaganda. Otherwise you risk becoming a right wing tool. 

The operative phrase of the above article is " He did not hold the rank at the time of his retirement"  But it does not mean that he had not archived the rank. 

See how propaganda works? it contains a kernel of truth around which a bias can coalesce. 

"Walz did achieve the rank of command sergeant major, it was a provisional rank until he completed required coursework for senior leaders, National Guard officials said. He did not do so by the time he departed the military and his retirement rank reverted to master sergeant on May 15, 2005, officials said. "

https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/08/07/tim-walz-military-record/

 

Edited August 8 by sirineou