Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during the Supreme Court Investiture Ceremony for Justice Sarah Hennesy at the Landmark Center on July 25 in St. Paul.Kerem Yücel | MPR News
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Harris, the current vice president, is set to name her choice ahead of a Tuesday afternoon rally in Philadelphia. Walz is among a handful of contenders to meet either in person or virtually with Harris in recent days, according to numerous media reports.
At a fundraiser in Minneapolis attended by hundreds of cheering backers, Walz didn’t disclose whether he expects to be named. But he spoke for 10 minutes — a bit himself but more how Democrats will contrast themselves with former Republican President Donald Trump this fall.
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“He’s throwing insults and she’s smiling and saying ‘Say it to my face, say it to my face.’ Guess what? she can handle herself as well,” Walz told the crowd, referring to Harris. “We’ve got to have her back.”
He added, “We got to run this campaign as if the serious threat is there. But we have to do it every single day with a sense of joy.”
Reporters were allowed into the fundraiser for the remarks but not allowed to take photos or record for broadcast.
Walz was preceded by other Minnesota Democratic Party leaders, including Sen. Tina Smith.
She praised Harris and Walz.
“Are you ready to hear from Gov. Walz in a couple of minutes? Are you ready for just a few more dad jokes in your life?” Smith said to cheers and a smatter of laughter.
She pivoted to the change in attitude of Democrats in recent weeks the upcoming election.
“I think all of us were sort of like trying to keep our energy up,” Smith said. “And then suddenly we were just flooded with enthusiasm and a sense of possibility of believing that not only that we could win this election, but in so doing we can keep our country moving forward in a direction we all want.”
Walz, 60, catapulted to the top tier of choices for Harris in the abbreviated vice presidential vetting process.
Harris deliberated over the pick Sunday in Washington, where Walz and other contenders reportedly sat for final interviews.
Walz abruptly canceled a trip to New Hampshire, where he was supposed to attend some Democratic Party rallies on Sunday.
Harris has rapidly become the clear favorite to lock down the presidential nomination since President Joe Biden dropped his bid for reelection. And she has gained enough support in the virtual roll call to secure the nomination she’ll formally accept at the Democratic National Convention in just over two weeks.
Her ascension opened an abbreviated but intense vetting process for her own running mate. Walz was at first seen as a longshot but, over recent days, wound up squarely in the picture.
It’s been through a mix of his message, media attention and his biography that Walz has climbed into contention. Walz put himself out there a lot in the last two weeks. He has been all over cable television and in national publications drawing contrasts between Democrats and the Republican presidential ticket led by Donald Trump.
Walz has spoken forcefully ways government actions have improved and can improve ’s lives. He talks his own upbringing in small-town America and his pre- career as a teacher. He has suggested that Democrats do more to connect with rural voters who are aligning more with Republicans of late. He does it all with humor and catchy lines that top Democrats, including Harris, have taken notice of. He — now famously — criticized Trump and his running mate JD Vance for sounding “weird” in how they cast America.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter (left), Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn. and Minnesota Gov. Walz listen as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Planned Parenthood, on March 14, in St. Paul.Kerem Yücel | MPR News1 of 20
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks before President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Biden administration’s efforts to rebuild infrastructure at Earth Rider Brewery on Jan. 25, in Superior, Wis.Erica Dischino for MPR News2 of 20
Gov. Walz delivers his 2024 State of the State speech in the auditorium of Owatonna High School on March 26 in Owatonna.Clay Masters | MPR News
Walz is not the only contender to be Harris’ running mate. At least two others are also reported to have met with Harris over the weekend — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. Others are still being considered.