At their joint inaugural rally in Philadelphia, Vice President Kamala Harris, now a presidential candidate, and her chosen candidate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, addressed a large crowd.
Walz expressed his excitement about their partnership to more than 12,000 attendees, according to Harris’ campaign team. “It’s a privilege to join this dynamic slate,” he noted, bringing a wave of excitement to the gathering.
In her speech, Harris emphasized her search for a vice president who embodies a vision of a hopeful future, ultimately choosing Governor Walz for his leadership qualities and Minnesota roots.
Despite his initial obscurity on the national stage, Walz’s recent media presence and Midwestern background have made him a leading choice for Harris’s running mate. The announcement was made official just hours before their rally in Philadelphia, with the election looming in just over three months.
At the event, Walz was quick to criticize the Republican opposition, particularly former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, his comments drawing laughter and applause. Walz criticized the rise in violent crime under the Trump administration and humorously contrasted his upscale Midwestern upbringing with Vance’s elite education and finances.
Harris took the opportunity to describe Walz’s diverse experiences, from his military service in the Army National Guard to his long tenure as a high school teacher and his advisory role in a school’s gay-straight alliance.
He also introduced new elements to his campaign rhetoric aimed at appealing to a broad spectrum of voters, emphasizing a commitment to inclusivity in all American communities.
Following the announcement of Walz as her running mate, the campaign saw a surge in activity, launching new promotional materials and advertising to bolster their new lineup.
The rally also saw major endorsements: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a leading contender for vice president, expressed strong support for the Harris-Walz duo.
Following Walz’s pick, Harris’s campaign saw a significant increase in fundraising, though it still represents a fraction of what it raised the previous month.
Walz’s selection comes after an intense selection process involving several prominent Democrats, marking a pivotal moment in the campaign, especially following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race after a challenging debate.
Harris acknowledged the fast and intense pace of the current phase of the campaign at the rally. “We quickly prepared for a rigorous campaign, and now our focus is on winning the general election,” she said, signaling a strong start to their campaign efforts.
