During his meticulous vetting interview with Vice President Kamala Harris’ team, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota shared an earnest and somewhat humorous detail about his public speaking preferences. He candidly admitted to the absence of a teleprompter in his repertoire, joking that should he be chosen, the team would need to procure one for him and acquaint him with its operation.
This revelation emerged amidst a thorough examination by Harris’ vetting committee, a session that, according to multiple sources privy to the discussions, Walz navigated with notable skill. Despite acknowledging several personal challenges—his lack of origins from a swing state, his relatively low national profile, and his self-professed weaknesses in debating—Walz’s forthrightness and demeanor reportedly left a strong impression on the team. His transparent approach in the interview underscored his readiness to address and adapt to the rigorous demands of a national campaign.
Governor Tim Walz emphasized his commitment to being a cooperative and supportive vice-presidential candidate during his vetting interview for Kamala Harris’s running mate. When queried about how he envisioned his role as Vice President, Walz expressed his willingness to adapt his duties to fit Harris’s expectations and indicated he would participate in decision-making processes only at her behest.
Further illustrating his team-oriented mindset, Walz explicitly stated he harbored no presidential ambitions of his own, a declaration that resonated positively with the vetting team, keen on avoiding any future internal conflicts within a potential Harris administration. Cedric Richmond, a former Louisiana congressman and advisor in the Biden administration, who played a significant role in the selection process, highlighted Walz’s understanding of the vice-presidential role as not only a partner but as a key figure in connecting with the American populace and supporting the President’s governance.
The selection process culminated after Harris conducted personal interviews with the top three candidates, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, at her residence. Walz’s interview was particularly well-received, described by one insider as a “home run,” with the team expressing a unanimous appreciation for his persona.
Walz’s relatability and his ability to connect with demographics traditionally elusive to Democrats were significant factors in his favor. Known for his hunting and fishing hobbies, he was seen as a candidate who could resonate well in crucial battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina. A source familiar with the discussions noted that Walz’s everyman appeal made him an ideal candidate to engage voters who previously shifted their allegiance to Donald Trump.
By the week’s end, campaign staff humorously coined the term “Blue Walz” at Harris’s headquarters, optimistic about his potential to secure pivotal Midwestern states and thereby fortifying Harris’s electoral strategy. This nickname underscored the high hopes placed on Walz to reclaim voter support in these critical regions.
A walk-on player
During the vetting process for Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, Governor Josh Shapiro, favored by segments of the Democratic Party and anti-Trump Republicans for his moderate stance, did not resonate as positively with Harris’s team as Tim Walz did. According to sources familiar with the proceedings, while Shapiro’s in-person interactions with Harris were regarded as successful, he was perceived by some as overly ambitious, raising numerous questions about the vice-presidential role’s specifics.
In contrast, Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, presented a demeanor that was deferential and cooperative, attributes that appealed to Harris’s team as they sought a candidate who would bring stability and unity to the campaign and potentially to the White House. This marked a distinct difference in how the two candidates were received during their interviews.
Walz, an unexpected candidate barely considered in the initial discussions following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, emerged as a compelling choice. Described by insiders as a “walk-on player who outshone the five-star recruits,” Walz’s Midwestern roots and his natural campaign presence as a “happy warrior” were seen as invaluable assets.
His background as a 24-year Army National Guard veteran and a former high school teacher added layers of relatability and authenticity, infusing the vetting process with a sense of joy and excitement that resonated with Harris and her advisors. Despite being the least known candidate to Harris prior to the vetting process, Walz’s commitment to adapting to Harris’s leadership style and policies became a pivotal factor in his favor.
A key moment that solidified Harris’s favor towards Walz occurred during discussions at the Naval Observatory. Walz expressed his disinterest in pursuing a presidential run, a declaration that was unexpected but highly impactful. Cedric Richmond, reflecting on the moment, emphasized how Walz’s commitment to the role of Vice President was evident. He portrayed a readiness to fully engage with the immediate needs of the administration without distractions about future personal political ambitions.
Richmond articulated the impact of Walz’s stance, noting, “That showed his willingness to say, ‘Look, I’m not concerned about my image or my approval rating or what’s next for me in the next chapter of life. I’m going to stay in this moment, be your vice president, run through walls, fight for the American people, and demonstrate our values.’” This narrative strongly supported the decision to choose Walz, presenting him as a dedicated and unequivocally supportive candidate for the vice-presidential role.
‘At ease and very natural’
The elevation of Tim Walz to the Democratic ticket was the culmination of an extraordinary whirlwind, marking the end of an intense two-week campaign. Initially, the objective was to capture the attention of Vice President Kamala Harris’s team; subsequently, it was to win over the vice president herself.
“He was at ease and very natural,” remarked a senior Democratic adviser briefed on Walz’s in-person interview with Harris. “It was a ‘know-it-when-you-see-it’ type of thing.”
While much of the attention during the vetting process centered on the contributions of former Attorney General Eric Holder and former White House counsel Dana Remus, the critical phase of candidate evaluation began last Friday with video interviews. These virtual meetings were conducted with an until-now undisclosed three-person committee: Cedric Richmond, former Boston mayor and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, and Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto.
Richmond has become a top adviser to Harris, while Walsh developed a close relationship with her during his tenure in the Biden administration. Cortez Masto and Harris were both elected to the Senate in the same year and had previously collaborated as attorneys general on the landmark multistate mortgage settlement, a defining moment for their careers in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
This trio was selected for their geographic diversity, varied skill sets, and professional backgrounds. Most importantly, they were chosen because Harris trusted them to help determine whom she could trust, a task many acknowledge as challenging for her.
Richmond and Walsh, both having transitioned from elected positions to roles within the Biden administration, were particularly well-suited to address a question that weighed heavily on Harris’s mind due to her own vice-presidential experience: “She wanted to ensure we could ask questions like, ‘You’re going to move from a principal role to a hybrid principal/staffer role. Can you make that transition?’” explained a source familiar with the process.
Among the nine candidates vetted and six who participated in virtual meetings with the committee, Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro emerged as the frontrunners during the final weekend. Mark Kelly, the Arizona Senator, was included as a third option. This careful and thorough vetting process underscored the deliberate and strategic approach taken to finalize the Democratic ticket.
‘It wasn’t over the top’
Tim Walz’s ascendancy to the Democratic ticket was propelled by widespread support across the party’s progressive and moderate factions, orchestrated by some of its most experienced operatives. He garnered the backing of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a longstanding ally from his twelve-year tenure in Congress representing a rural Minnesota district, and received commendations from former President Barack Obama. In a statement on Tuesday, Obama extolled Walz, saying, “He has the values and the integrity to make us proud.”
Obama also played a role as an advisor to Vice President Harris, providing a sounding board as she deliberated over her decision, according to a senior aide. Walz’s online traction increased notably after his remark branding Republicans as “weird,” a comment that caught Harris’s attention. “She likes the way he operates,” said a source involved in the process. “She liked how it became a thing then. It was funny, it was pointed, but it wasn’t over the top.”
Despite their limited prior relationship—a factor some believed might hinder Walz—Harris grew increasingly impressed with his demeanor throughout the vetting process. A courtesy call between Harris and Walz on July 21, coinciding with Biden’s decision to step aside, initiated a formal vetting process that ultimately elevated Walz to the top tier of finalists.
Many Democratic leaders initially considered Josh Shapiro the frontrunner in the race to become Harris’s running mate. Although extensive polling and focus groups conducted by the Harris campaign showed no significant difference among the final contenders, Shapiro’s candidacy became contentious due to his association with Gaza protests—a divisive issue among Democrats during the 2024 campaign. “Nobody wanted to rip that scab back open,” admitted one Democratic insider, though some sources refuted the notion that these protests influenced Harris’s final decision.
A crucial factor that distinguished Walz from Shapiro was their respective approaches during face-to-face meetings with Harris. While Shapiro posed detailed questions about the vice-presidential role, essentially negotiating the job, Walz focused on how he could assist Harris. “He was negotiating the job with her, while Walz was saying, ‘What can I do to help?’” observed a Democratic adviser, highlighting Shapiro’s rising star status in the party but noting his failure to establish a comfortable rapport with Harris.
Walz’s evolution from a moderate Democrat—having won a Republican-leaning congressional district in 2006—to a leading progressive governor impressed Harris and her team. His deferential style further endeared him to Harris. “She wanted to ensure people understood there are going to be times when you’ll have great influence and times when something’s happening and you’re told about it at the last minute,” said a person involved in the vetting process. “She said, ‘That’s just the nature of the job and you have to be OK with that.’”
Donuts and a teleprompter
Ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris’s crucial interviews on Sunday with Tim Walz, Josh Shapiro, and Mark Kelly, a panel of close advisers convened at her residence in the Naval Observatory to present their findings and recommendations. Concurrently, senior campaign staff were busy preparing promotional materials—videos, logos, and merchandise—for each potential running mate. They remained in a state of anticipation, grappling with the implications each candidate would have for the campaign’s trajectory and their roles within it.
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, Harris found herself immediately inclined toward Walz following the Sunday meetings. However, she experienced a sense of conflict and deliberation until the very end.
Harris took Sunday night to reflect on her decision. By Monday, she had begun to lean more decisively towards selecting Walz, confiding her inclination to a small group of advisers that evening. Nevertheless, she went to bed early Tuesday morning without having made an official decision.
As dawn broke on Tuesday, small teams of staffers were dispatched to the respective locations of each finalist, still unaware of the outcome. Speeches for the rally scheduled that night in Philadelphia were prepared in advance for all the potential running mates.
When Harris finally made the call on Tuesday morning, Walz was at home with his wife, two children, sister, and brother-in-law. Initially missing the call due to it coming from a blocked number, he promptly answered when Harris attempted again.
Upon officially informing Walz of her decision, Harris ensured he was provided with a prepared speech. Following a brief family celebration, Walz expressed his gratitude to his staff by bringing them donuts and engaging in a conference call to thank the broader team for their efforts.
Arriving in Philadelphia for their inaugural joint rally, Walz took the opportunity to practice using a teleprompter for his speech, ensuring he was well-prepared for his public debut as Harris’s vice-presidential pick.