Walz’s Vice Presidential Candidacy Gets Boost From Social Media Platforms

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (FOX 9) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is reportedly on the short list of potential running mates for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Although the governor appeared to be on the list from the start, he was still seen as an outsider.

According to bookmakers, he would be ranked eighth as the player with the best chance of getting a spot.

But the outsider adventure seems to be getting closer.

Nowadays, the second man is the first thing that comes to mind in politics.

Now that the Republican national party convention has concluded and Democrats have coalesced around Kamala Harris as their presidential candidate, only one name remains unknown on the November ballot.

According to David Schultz, a political scientist at Hamline, research shows that the choice of vice president has little impact on the election, but that the selection is still relevant.

“When it comes to choosing a vice president, it’s all about how enthusiastic the party base is,” Schultz told FOX 9.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly could give the ticket a boost in swing states.

But Gov. Tim Walz appears to be creating that excitement after a series of appearances on national networks, including Fox News.

“He sounds like a regular person,” said Sen. Tina Smith. “And I love how he kind of channels what people who live in small towns and rural communities think about all of this.”

Senator Smith is not supporting her governorship as vice president, but what she is seeing has caught the attention of national Democratic fundraisers.

Beto O’Rourke called him a real man and cited Walz’s background as a teacher, coach and National Guard veteran.

David Hogg, a gun control activist and survivor of the Parkland High School shooting, has repeatedly expressed his support for Walz on social media.

Minnesota Republicans and even former President Donald Trump have also criticized him.

Schultz says the DFL’s success in pushing liberal priorities over the past two years could help the governor within his own party, but it could also turn Republicans against him.

“While Walz is considered a moderate in Minnesota, when we go to places like Arizona, Georgia, and Wisconsin, and when you go to the other swing states,

“He’s going to look like an outspoken, far-left liberal,” Schultz said.

If the odds were against Walz becoming vice president, it would set in motion a series of promotions that would make Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan the first female and first Native American governor of Minnesota, and Sen. Bobby Jo Champion the first black lieutenant governor.

And just getting a spot on the ballot could dramatically change the campaign picture in Minnesota.

“Let’s say Harris had already announced that it was going to be Walz,” Schulz said. “Would that change Trump’s decision to come to St. Cloud this weekend in terms of campaigning?”

Officials at the governor’s office tell FOX 9 they expect a decision by the end of next week, but it could also not be made until Congress later in August.