Harris Opts for Comfort Food: "Will America Bite?"
Tim Walz’s down-to-earth demeanor was evident at a Philadelphia event, which highlighted both the challenges and potential advantages for the new Democratic ticket.
TroibNews 
PHILADELPHIA — Vice President Kamala Harris’ first appearance alongside her running mate and his runner-up on Tuesday night showcased why she chose Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota. This decision wasn’t about allegiance to her party’s base or any discomfort with having a Jewish vice president, as some on both ends of the political spectrum have speculated. Instead, Harris selected Walz due to their generational rapport and his ability to advocate effectively without overshadowing her.
Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, who narrowly missed the vice-presidential nod himself, delivered an energetic speech at the event's onset. Walz then wrapped up with a down-to-earth introduction and critique of the GOP ticket, affirming Harris' choice.
It remains uncertain whether her selection of Walz will just fit personally or translate into electoral success.
Harris' campaign launch signaled her awareness of the need to broaden her appeal for the November elections. Despite her extensive experience in liberal California and prior appearances before liberal audiences, Harris must now craft a general election message.
Her campaign will need to navigate a strategy—whether to reassure middle America with defensive politics, as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama did, or to energize core supporters while banking on opposition disdain.
In her Tuesday speech, partisan applause was strongest for her more provocative points. Yet, Harris' most impactful moment came when she strayed slightly from her script to reflect on “the promise of America,” emphasizing the journeys of “two middle-class kids” from different backgrounds aiming for the White House.
“Only in America,” she exclaimed repeatedly, sparking chants of “U-S-A!” from the crowd.
Harris also emphasized a unifying message beyond identity politics, stating, “We are running a campaign on behalf of all Americans, and when elected, we will govern on behalf of all Americans.” This approach aimed at inclusivity over specificity in her appeal.
Her repeated references to her running mate as “Coach” also served to unify, tapping into football's broad American appeal.
Walz, in his turn, highlighted his working-class roots and bipartisan efforts, making it clear that he would focus on his relatable personal history rather than his progressive record.
Recalling his own career, Walz accentuated his bipartisan legislative work, especially on veterans’ issues and agriculture, as seen in a campaign video revealed earlier in the day.
Their evident camaraderie was clear to see, with Walz even indirectly praising Harris by noting her ability to bring back excitement to the campaign.
Their partnership wasn’t always a given. Despite overlapping in Congress, they hadn’t known each other well initially, and Walz had been initially irritated by the lack of outreach from Harris' office. This changed once Harris made several trips to Minnesota, allowing them to build a relationship.
Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland, watching the event, expressed his approval of the ticket’s patriotic themes. Moore suggested that Harris should embrace and celebrate America's flag and values at the upcoming Democratic nominating convention, urging a message of love for the country, "flaws and all."
This narrative of American greatness and potential, coupled with Harris' personal connection to the country's values, echoes the strategy used by Obama, particularly against the backdrop of partisan attacks. Obama’s 2004 keynote speech and his first ad in the 2008 general election serve as a template for Harris as she seeks to define her campaign before rivals do.
Invoking his commitment to the nation, Obama reassured voters with a deep sense of faith in America—a sentiment Harris aims to channel in her pursuit of the presidency.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, who narrowly missed the vice-presidential nod himself, delivered an energetic speech at the event's onset. Walz then wrapped up with a down-to-earth introduction and critique of the GOP ticket, affirming Harris' choice.
It remains uncertain whether her selection of Walz will just fit personally or translate into electoral success.
Harris' campaign launch signaled her awareness of the need to broaden her appeal for the November elections. Despite her extensive experience in liberal California and prior appearances before liberal audiences, Harris must now craft a general election message.
Her campaign will need to navigate a strategy—whether to reassure middle America with defensive politics, as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama did, or to energize core supporters while banking on opposition disdain.
In her Tuesday speech, partisan applause was strongest for her more provocative points. Yet, Harris' most impactful moment came when she strayed slightly from her script to reflect on “the promise of America,” emphasizing the journeys of “two middle-class kids” from different backgrounds aiming for the White House.
“Only in America,” she exclaimed repeatedly, sparking chants of “U-S-A!” from the crowd.
Harris also emphasized a unifying message beyond identity politics, stating, “We are running a campaign on behalf of all Americans, and when elected, we will govern on behalf of all Americans.” This approach aimed at inclusivity over specificity in her appeal.
Her repeated references to her running mate as “Coach” also served to unify, tapping into football's broad American appeal.
Walz, in his turn, highlighted his working-class roots and bipartisan efforts, making it clear that he would focus on his relatable personal history rather than his progressive record.
Recalling his own career, Walz accentuated his bipartisan legislative work, especially on veterans’ issues and agriculture, as seen in a campaign video revealed earlier in the day.
Their evident camaraderie was clear to see, with Walz even indirectly praising Harris by noting her ability to bring back excitement to the campaign.
Their partnership wasn’t always a given. Despite overlapping in Congress, they hadn’t known each other well initially, and Walz had been initially irritated by the lack of outreach from Harris' office. This changed once Harris made several trips to Minnesota, allowing them to build a relationship.
Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland, watching the event, expressed his approval of the ticket’s patriotic themes. Moore suggested that Harris should embrace and celebrate America's flag and values at the upcoming Democratic nominating convention, urging a message of love for the country, "flaws and all."
This narrative of American greatness and potential, coupled with Harris' personal connection to the country's values, echoes the strategy used by Obama, particularly against the backdrop of partisan attacks. Obama’s 2004 keynote speech and his first ad in the 2008 general election serve as a template for Harris as she seeks to define her campaign before rivals do.
Invoking his commitment to the nation, Obama reassured voters with a deep sense of faith in America—a sentiment Harris aims to channel in her pursuit of the presidency.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
