Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos issues a warning about Kamala Harris' running mate, Tim Walz, while the head of the American Federation of Teachers praises his record on education. Despite union support, Walz faces criticism for his handling of COVID-19 and his past statements.
Kamala Harris' selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her 2024 running mate has elicited mixed reactions, with some progressives praising his strong support for unions and record as governor, while others raise concerns about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his past statements.
Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos expressed alarm over Walz's ties to Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration's education policies.
Kamala Harris' VP Pick Tim Walz Faces Criticism Despite Union Support
"Anyone who makes Randi this excited is a 5-alarm fire for parents and students," DeVos wrote on Twitter.
Weingarten, on the other hand, hailed Walz's "exemplary" record on education, citing his efforts to increase funding for public schools and his support for union rights.
Kamala Harris' VP Pick Tim Walz Faces Criticism Despite Union Support
"Educators are fired up and united," she tweeted. "We know that electing the Harris-Walz ticket is the only way to take America forward."
Walz, a former U.S. Army National Guard member and teacher, has been a vocal advocate for Harris and has raised his profile in recent weeks. However, he has also faced criticism for his handling of COVID-19, which included indoor masking mandates and the establishment of a hotline to report mask violators.
Kamala Harris' VP Pick Tim Walz Faces Criticism Despite Union Support
The AFT president, who has a history of far-left political rhetoric, has also faced backlash for her support of heavy-handed pandemic restrictions and her role in school lockdowns.
In addition to concerns about his handling of COVID-19, Walz has also been criticized for past statements he made about Republicans. In 2018, he referred to them as "weird" people who are "looking for attention."
Kamala Harris' VP Pick Tim Walz Faces Criticism Despite Union Support
Despite these criticisms, Walz remains a popular figure among teachers unions and progressives. His selection by Harris reflects the importance that the Democratic Party places on education and union support.
However, the inclusion of Walz on the ticket may also alienate some voters who are concerned about his handling of the pandemic and his past statements. As the 2024 election approaches, Walz's record and his relationship with Randi Weingarten will likely become major campaign issues.
Kamala Harris' VP Pick Tim Walz Faces Criticism Despite Union Support
