Thank you for this. I would only add that Kamala not choosing Shapiro will in no way dissuade any Pennsylvania Democrat from voting for her. We Dems are just blessed with a deep bench.
Won't Josh Shapiro (and the rest of the veep-pastovers) campaign enthusiastically for the Harris-Walz ticket to win PA, et. al. ? Isn't that almost as good (or even better) than Shapiro as the VP pick? Are they not team players who know their time WILL come?
Sarah said she received texts from friends who said they would write in Romney now that Walz was selected, and frankly I find that petulant. If the selection of Walz over Shapiro was all it took to turn them off, they were likely not going to vote for Harris anyway!
My heart will always belong to Pete, who I was surprised to see even "mentioned". Some margin for error in Pennsylvania with Shapiro as VP would have been reassuring. But Walz is credited with the "weird" motif, and that's perfect! The more accurate label for Trump might be "psycho", which probably strikes a lot of people as a little harsh, but "weird" is perfect - someone you definitely don't want to be trapped in a conversation with, someone you might even cross the street to avoid.
As a moderate Dem from California, I have no problem with the VP pick. It was Kamala’s to make, probably after lots of input from those much more informed than I. Actually I thought any of the possibles would be great. Perhaps a few might have had reasons to stay in current positions. My heat was with Biden, but my worries grew in the last few weeks before he announced he would not fun. I had thought should he not, then it should go to Kamala. I’m all in with Harris/Walz!!!
I am looking forward to the research of Tim's voting record when he was in the House. He represented a very conservative rural district for TWELVE YEARS. He wouldn't have been able to hold that seat so long if he had been a progressive. He turned progressive when he had overwhelmingly DFL Legislators in both Houses of the MN Legislature.
Bottom line is this: Tim has a couple of Super Powers: First, he is immensely likable, as you remarked. Second, he is tough as nails.. People don't see it coming.
The choice is made and I am watching pundits hyperventilate. In my mind there is too much overthinking about Kamala's choice. She said a long time ago that she would choose someone who could step in to govern the country and someone with whom she could form a good working realationship who also shares her values. I have watched Kamala Harris every chance I get since her response to the concerns about Biden's debate debacle (a response which was picture perfect). Her campaign has been both smart and full of joy. Joy is contagious. Walz displays that same joy, delivering sharp responses with a smile. He's just plain likable. Back in the day I liked Regan for the same reason. I didn't spend much time ruminating about policy back then, but he made me feel good. I think the Harris/Waltz ticket will do the same thing for busy voters who will tune in and like what they see. It's a good contrast to the scowling gloom and doom of the Trump/Vance ticket. What does Progressive mean anyway? Free school lunches and a hand up via college tuition for poor kids? Maybe I'm Progressive. What does Conservative mean? That meaning seems to have changed of late. These words have become meaningless and are used as weapons. Enough with that. Go Harris/Walz!
First no Biden, then I wasn't crazy about Kamala but willing to give her a chance, and now Walz...sigh...which I do think will hurt her in Never Trump R's etc...I have spent a week saying she isn't as far left as they think...now I look like a liar
I deleted my earlier comment because I didn’t clearly express my thoughts. I think this is a sub-optimal pick and am not happy with it. To me, it Dems being Dems (BTW, I am a Dem).
However, like Tim noted, I remain all in on Kamala!
I am very pleased with the VP choice. I would've supported her no matter whom she chose, but this seems like a really decent guy with progressive values, but a down-home demeanor. I am sure she went with the one she felt most comfortable with. Can't wait to see them on the stage together.
TIM: Please start referring to it as the Vance-Trump ticket...it will drive him batshit if Vance's name is first...
This is “after the announcement”, Wednesday, 8/07/24!!!! WE ARE OFF!!!!!! And RUNNING! And what a GIFT!
Thank you for this. I would only add that Kamala not choosing Shapiro will in no way dissuade any Pennsylvania Democrat from voting for her. We Dems are just blessed with a deep bench.
Won't Josh Shapiro (and the rest of the veep-pastovers) campaign enthusiastically for the Harris-Walz ticket to win PA, et. al. ? Isn't that almost as good (or even better) than Shapiro as the VP pick? Are they not team players who know their time WILL come?
Oh yes he will:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQgrVX-8nCM
Sarah said she received texts from friends who said they would write in Romney now that Walz was selected, and frankly I find that petulant. If the selection of Walz over Shapiro was all it took to turn them off, they were likely not going to vote for Harris anyway!
My heart will always belong to Pete, who I was surprised to see even "mentioned". Some margin for error in Pennsylvania with Shapiro as VP would have been reassuring. But Walz is credited with the "weird" motif, and that's perfect! The more accurate label for Trump might be "psycho", which probably strikes a lot of people as a little harsh, but "weird" is perfect - someone you definitely don't want to be trapped in a conversation with, someone you might even cross the street to avoid.
As a moderate Dem from California, I have no problem with the VP pick. It was Kamala’s to make, probably after lots of input from those much more informed than I. Actually I thought any of the possibles would be great. Perhaps a few might have had reasons to stay in current positions. My heat was with Biden, but my worries grew in the last few weeks before he announced he would not fun. I had thought should he not, then it should go to Kamala. I’m all in with Harris/Walz!!!
I am looking forward to the research of Tim's voting record when he was in the House. He represented a very conservative rural district for TWELVE YEARS. He wouldn't have been able to hold that seat so long if he had been a progressive. He turned progressive when he had overwhelmingly DFL Legislators in both Houses of the MN Legislature.
Bottom line is this: Tim has a couple of Super Powers: First, he is immensely likable, as you remarked. Second, he is tough as nails.. People don't see it coming.
The choice is made and I am watching pundits hyperventilate. In my mind there is too much overthinking about Kamala's choice. She said a long time ago that she would choose someone who could step in to govern the country and someone with whom she could form a good working realationship who also shares her values. I have watched Kamala Harris every chance I get since her response to the concerns about Biden's debate debacle (a response which was picture perfect). Her campaign has been both smart and full of joy. Joy is contagious. Walz displays that same joy, delivering sharp responses with a smile. He's just plain likable. Back in the day I liked Regan for the same reason. I didn't spend much time ruminating about policy back then, but he made me feel good. I think the Harris/Waltz ticket will do the same thing for busy voters who will tune in and like what they see. It's a good contrast to the scowling gloom and doom of the Trump/Vance ticket. What does Progressive mean anyway? Free school lunches and a hand up via college tuition for poor kids? Maybe I'm Progressive. What does Conservative mean? That meaning seems to have changed of late. These words have become meaningless and are used as weapons. Enough with that. Go Harris/Walz!
With all the hype for Shapiro on this channel I WILL be disappointed and concerned if he is not chosen as VP! 🇨🇦
Ok, I am offficially ticked off now...sigh
I hate politics
First no Biden, then I wasn't crazy about Kamala but willing to give her a chance, and now Walz...sigh...which I do think will hurt her in Never Trump R's etc...I have spent a week saying she isn't as far left as they think...now I look like a liar
I deleted my earlier comment because I didn’t clearly express my thoughts. I think this is a sub-optimal pick and am not happy with it. To me, it Dems being Dems (BTW, I am a Dem).
However, like Tim noted, I remain all in on Kamala!
If Walz is the pick, as it's being reported, I guess we'll see if The Bulwark really thinks the VP pick doesn't matter.
Me? I'm prepared for a couple days of stories about Kamala's first misstep, etc.
I am very pleased with the VP choice. I would've supported her no matter whom she chose, but this seems like a really decent guy with progressive values, but a down-home demeanor. I am sure she went with the one she felt most comfortable with. Can't wait to see them on the stage together.
Loving the never trumpers not liking the pick.
Meltdown mode.
Good piece, Tim.