On Tuesday in Philadelphia, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for the White House, appeared publicly with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for the first time since selecting him as her running mate for the upcoming presidential race. They are set to face former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance in the election scheduled for November 5.
Following their entrance to the stage to Beyoncé’s song Freedom, Harris told supporters that Democrats must amplify their effort to win. “We have to match the moment. We are among the underdogs in this race, but we carry the momentum and I know exactly what we are up against,” she said. She added that the campaign is not only a fight against Trump, but a fight for the future, highlighting promises to reduce the cost of living for American families.
In her remarks, Harris explained that she had aimed to find a partner who could help build a brighter future and introduced Walz to the audience, describing him as the running mate she had sought. CNN covered the governor’s professional background as part of her recap to voters.
She noted that Americans are witnessing a broader assault on hard-won freedoms and rights. “Tim and I have a message for Trump and others who want to turn back the clock on our fundamental liberties: we will not retreat,” she proclaimed, drawing chants from the crowd.
Walz expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and for bringing back a sense of joy. “I’m honored to be on this journey with you and Doug,” he said, referring to the second gentleman, Douglas Emhoff. His remarks also highlighted his background as a teacher, coach, and veteran, emphasizing a life rooted in public service.
He criticized Trump’s record on the covid-19 response, the economy, and crime, arguing that since leaving office the former president has sown chaos and division. “He stood still during the pandemic, drove our economy into trouble, and violent crime rose,” Walz asserted, prompting calls from the crowd to confront Trump. He also asserted that Trump lacks understanding of military service, accusing him of focusing on self-interest instead.
Looking ahead to a debate with JD Vance, Walz said he was eager for the moment, provided Vance steps forward from the sofa and participates. He drew a contrast between his upbringing in the heart of the country and Vance’s path, which he argued was financed by Silicon Valley billionaires and later critiqued by the author. With a candid tone, Walz remarked on the political dynamics, noting that these opponents can appear unsettling and peculiar to some voters.
Since the announcement that Walz would join the ticket, Harris’s campaign has raised substantial support, signaling strong fundraising momentum. July contributions reached a notable level, reflecting broad enthusiasm for the ticket and its stated priorities.
Harris, who stepped forward to run after President Biden announced he would not seek another term, had to organize her campaign team quickly and choose a running mate in a compressed timeline. She has become a historic figure as the first Black woman and the first American of Asian descent to lead the Democratic ticket, marking a milestone in the party’s history.