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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his first speech as Vice President Kamala Harris’ new running mate. assembly Tuesday night in Philadelphia.
“I’m extremely proud to join this slate and help Kamala Harris become the next president of the United States,” he planned to say, according to excerpts of Walz’s speech. “She brings joy in everything she does.”
Walz will also point to his Midwestern background, which Democrats see as a strength in the campaign that could appeal to rural voters.
“I was born in West Point, Nebraska, and lived in Butte, a small town of 400 people where community was the way of life,” Walz said. “Growing up, I worked on the family farm all summer long. My parents taught us to be generous to our neighbors and work for the common good.”
The Pennsylvania rally was the first joint public appearance of the new Harris-Walz ballot, which the campaigns officially announced Tuesday morning.
In the hours since, the event has released new Harris-Waltz merchandise, several ads on tickets introducing the new name, and social media statements.
The campaign said it raised $10 million in donations after Walz’s announcement, a drop in the bucket compared to the $310 million the campaign raised in July alone.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz introduces Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar during a campaign rally on First Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 17, 2020 (Amy Klobuchar).
Stephen Mattlen | Getty Images
Walz joins other contenders such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear who have undergone an expedited vice presidential vetting process over the past two weeks. .
Shapiro, reportedly the second-leading contender, attended a Harris-Walz rally in his hometown on Tuesday night and delivered a fiery speech in support of the campaign, though he was ultimately ruled out as vice president outside of position.
“I will do everything I can to make sure we get Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as the next leaders of the United States of America,” Shapiro shouted to the excited crowd. “Tim Walz is a great patriot. What else will I tell you: Tim Walz is a dear friend.”
Harris’ decision to be the running mate breaks a weeks-long rush for Democratic votes after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race following a dismal performance in a June debate with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
This is a development story. Please check back for updates.
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