The week after Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump, Minnesota governor Tim Walz and a host of Democratic governors gave a press conference firmly stating their support for the president. During the Republican National Convention, Walz showed up in neighbouring Wisconsin for counter-programming.
Then, Biden announced he would not seek re-election, and passed the torch to Kamala Harris. All of a sudden, the former high-school football coach with a heavy midwestern accent – also a former congressman who represented a district that voted for Donald Trump – found himself in the race to be Harris’s running mate.
Walz faced stiff competition from contenders such as Arizona senator Mark Kelly, Kentucky governor Andy Beshear, and Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania. As time went on, rumours swirled, especially around Shapiro – but ultimately, Harris picked Walz yesterday morning.
“Someone like him or someone like Governor Beshear [as a veep pick] would be absolutely beneficial to competing for rural votes,” Matt Barron, a political consultant who worked with Walz in the past and specialises in electing Democrats in rural areas, told The Independent ahead of the announcement.
Walz has also earned plaudits for passing a series of progressive policies, such as free school meals for children regardless of income status, paid family leave, paid sick leave, and gun legislation.
Denne historien er fra August 07, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 07, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'No thought' batting leaves England on brink of defeat
England were left facing an uphill battle to maintain their unbeaten Test summer after batting with \"no thought\" in the second innings.
Sinner seals US Open with straight-sets win over Fritz
Jannik Sinner let his tennis do the talking as he won the US Open for the first time. The world number one came into the tournament under a cloud following his anti-doping scandal, where he escaped a ban despite two positive tests in March.
Coach Carsley could signal end of the England manager
Lee Carsley has said he is more of a head coach than a manager and that the latter could become extinct in international football.
Team GB's triumph goes far beyond the medal table tally
In terms of weather, they've had the worst summer in nearly 140 years here in Paris, which is perhaps why Britain's Paralympians felt so at home.
VENETIAN CLASS
Venice festivalgoers were treated to a first look at the actors and films in contention for Oscars, writes Geoffrey Macnab
THREE'S COMPANY
Oliver Keens didn't set out to have threesomes this summer - from heterosexual couples 'seeking a third' to sex-positive 'MMF friendly' individuals, the opportunities found him...
How William can live up to his father's wish for him to champion the marginalised
Yesterday marked the second anniversary of Elizabeth II's death and the King's accession to the throne. In his first televised address to the nation as Charles III, he thanked his “darling Mama” for her love and devotion, quoted Shakespeare – “May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest” – and assumed her mantle of a lifelong commitment to public service.
Namibia to slaughter over 700 wild animals for meat
Plans by the Namibian government to kill 83 elephants and 640 other wild animals to feed the meat to people have sparked a fierce international row. The British high commissioner to the country is among those backing the idea but ecologists are warning of a colossal disaster” for Africa’s wildlife.
Man accused of filming rape on Indian street is arrested
Police in India arrested a man who allegedly filmed and shared a video of the rape of a woman on a street in a case that has sparked a public outcry.
Pope hosts mass in remote Papua New Guinea town
Pontiff calls for end to tribal violence in nearby communities
