The campaign of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump lashed out on Tuesday against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was announced as the running mate of Democrat Kamala Harris, and labeled him a "radical leftist."
"If Walz doesn't tell the truth to voters, we will: just like Kamala Harris, Tim Walz is a dangerous left-wing extremist," said Karoline Leavitt, press secretary for Trump's campaign, in a statement.
The Republican presidential candidate himself attacked Walz.
Shortly after Walz was announced as Harris's running mate, Trump mocked him and said he was the "worst vice president in history." Trump also accused the governor of Minnesota of "burning trillions of dollars" and opening the U.S. borders to criminals.
Republican critics also pointed to Walz's proposals, which include stricter emissions standards for gasoline cars and policies that would allow convicted criminals to vote. "Walz is obsessed with spreading California's dangerous leftist agenda everywhere," said Trump's campaign.
Trump's running mate, Republican J.D. Vance, tried 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 4 on Fox News, although the vice president has yet to confirm the time or the channel.
Walz, 60 years old, is seen as one of the most progressive candidates on Kamala Harris's list, which also included Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
Before dedicating himself to politics, Walz was a high school teacher and has been recognized for approving programs such as free lunch for Minnesota schools.
He has received the backing of Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent figure of the party's progressive wing.
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 asked to defend American democracy. That moment is now," Biden stated.
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 congratulated Walz in person.
In a statement, Barack and Michelle Obama praised the progressive priorities that Walz has implemented as governor of Minnesota, including paid family leave, abortion rights, and gun safety measures.
"Tim's hallmark is his ability to speak like an ordinary person and treat everyone with decency and respect," they added.
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