Vice President Kamala Harris has announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming presidential elections, in an effort to strengthen the Democratic candidacy in the Midwest states.
"I am proud to announce that I have asked Tim Walz to be my running mate. As a governor, coach, teacher, and veteran, he has worked for working families like yours. It's great to have him on the team," said Harris on her X page.
The Democratic candidate for the November elections was considering three strong prospects, but it has been confirmed that she will officially present Walz at a rally that will take place tonight in Philadelphia.
Walz, a prestigious American politician, wrote on the same social network that "It is an honor for me to join Kamala Harris in this campaign. I'm in. Vice President Harris shows us the politics of what is possible."
Before his political career, Walz was a social studies teacher, a football coach, and a union member.
He also served for 24 years in the Army National Guard, rising to the rank of sergeant major, one of the highest ranks in military service.
For their part, Barack and Michelle Obama have supported Harris's election, describing Walz as an "ideal partner."
In a statement, the Obamas praised the progressive priorities that Walz has implemented as governor of Minnesota, including paid family leave, abortion rights, and gun safety measures.
"Tim's signature is his ability to speak like an ordinary person and treat everyone with decency and respect," they added.
President Joe Biden has described the Harris-Walz duo as a "powerful voice for workers and the middle class." Biden, who has known Walz for nearly two decades, praised his experience as a teacher, coach, and National Guard soldier.
"Each generation of Americans faces a moment when they are called to defend American democracy. That moment is now," Biden said.
Emilie Simons, Deputy Press Secretary of the White House, confirmed that Biden and Harris spoke on the phone this morning before the official announcement and that Biden also personally congratulated Walz.
Shortly after the election of Walz was made public, Harris's opponent in the elections, Donald Trump, criticized and described Walz as the "worst vice president in history." Trump accused the governor of Minnesota of "burning trillions of dollars" and of opening the borders of the U.S. to criminals.
Trump's running mate, Republican J.D. Vance, attempted to contact Walz by phone, but was unsuccessful. It is unclear whether there will be a debate between Vance and Walz. Trump has announced that he will debate Harris on September 4th on Fox News, although the vice president has not yet confirmed the time or the network.
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