On Tuesday, MSNBC analyst Charlie Sykes commented that Kamala Harris’ choice for running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, was “not a safe pick,” indicating that Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, whom Harris also considered for the vice presidential position, might resonate better with centrists.
“Now, take a deep breath—this was not a risk-free selection. Josh Shapiro seemed to be the logical choice for two main reasons. First, Pennsylvania holds 19 electoral votes as a crucial swing state. Shapiro would likely appeal to centrists. The decision made here appears to prioritize energizing the base rather than reaching out to centrist voters,” Sykes elaborated.
“Kamala Harris may pursue this strategy in different ways, but there was essentially an internal debate among factions advocating for a center-focused ticket versus those advocating for a more progressive, Bernie-like candidate. It remains uncertain how Walz will present himself in this context,” Sykes continued.
Gov. Walz was named as Harris’ vice presidential pick on Tuesday after she formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president the day before.
KAMALA HARRIS SUPPORTERS UNSURE WHEN ASKED ABOUT VP’S POLICY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
MSNBC contributor Charlie Sykes indicated that Gov. Walz is not a “safe” choice for Kamala Harris as VP. (Screenshot/MSNBC)
Sykes warned there could be negative reactions from Jewish voters due to Harris’ decision not to select Shapiro.
“I believe this process is going to garner significant attention. Once again, because Shapiro was such an evident choice, but faced a harsh online campaign from the left regarding his stance on Israel. I’d like to highlight that his views on Israel actually align closely with those of other candidates, except that Josh Shapiro is Jewish. There may be questions as to whether they conceded or were unduly influenced by the excessively vocal anti-Israel left to eliminate Shapiro,” Sykes noted.
Nonetheless, Sykes opined that the outcome might be inconsequential, suggesting that a debate between Walz and Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance could be quite engaging.
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressing the press following a meeting with President Joe Biden and other Democratic governors at the White House on July 3, 2024. (REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported Harris’ selection, asserting that Walz is “right down the middle,” despite his progressive history.
“Tim Walz is fantastic. She had several strong options. Having known Tim Walz well, I can assure you that to label him as leftist is a tremendous misunderstanding. He is truly a centrist. He represents the heartland of America,” she stated during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”
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The 60-year-old Walz, a former congressman, is serving his second term as governor of Minnesota, a state that typically leans Democratic but which the Trump campaign is eyeing to flip in this election cycle. No GOP presidential candidate has won Minnesota since 1972.
