MSNBC analyst Charlie Sykes expressed concerns about Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, arguing that he lacks appeal to centrist voters compared to potential alternative Josh Shapiro.
MSNBC analyst Charlie Sykes raised doubts Tuesday about Governor Tim Walz's selection as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, suggesting that he may not be a "safe pick" and lacks the centrist appeal of other potential candidates.
Sykes argued that Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, who Harris also considered as her vice presidential nominee, would have been a more appealing choice for centrist voters. Pennsylvania is a key swing state with 19 electoral votes, and Shapiro has a proven track record of reaching out to moderate voters.
MSNBC Contributor Questions Kamala Harris' VP Pick, Suggests 'Safer' Centrist Option
"But deep breath here, this was not a safe pick," Sykes said on MSNBC. "Josh Shapiro seemed like the obvious pick for two reasons. No. 1, Pennsylvania is the key swing state with 19 electoral votes. Josh Shapiro would be able to appeal to centrists. Obviously, the decision that has been made here has been to go with the strategy of making sure you take care of the base and base enthusiasts as opposed to reaching out to centrists."
Sykes suggested that the decision to select Walz reflects an internal battle within the Democratic party between those who favor a more centrist approach and those who favor a more progressive, Bernie Sanders-like candidate.
MSNBC Contributor Questions Kamala Harris' VP Pick, Suggests 'Safer' Centrist Option
"Now Kamala Harris may do this, may do this in other ways, but there was basically an internal battle between the people who said what the ticket needs to do is move to the center versus those who say no, let’s go with the more progressive Bernie-like candidate. Now whether or not he will present that way is not clear," Sykes said.
Sykes also raised concerns about potential backlash from Jewish voters, suggesting that Harris' decision not to select Shapiro may be perceived as influenced by online anti-Israeli sentiment.
MSNBC Contributor Questions Kamala Harris' VP Pick, Suggests 'Safer' Centrist Option
"I have to say that I think you’re going to get a lot of attention on the process here," Sykes said. "Again, because Josh Shapiro was such an obvious choice, but was the subject of a vicious online attack from the left for his views on Israel. And I want to point out that his views on Israel are not substantially different than any of the other candidates except that Josh Shapiro is Jewish. I think there’s going to be some question, did they blink, were they influenced or over influenced by the excessively online anti-Israeli left in order to get rid of Josh Shapiro?"
Despite his concerns, Sykes acknowledged that Walz's progressive record may not be a major issue for voters. He also suggested that a debate between Walz and GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance could be interesting.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defended Harris' choice, describing Walz as "right down the middle" and dismissing his progressive record.
"Tim Walz is wonderful. She had many good choices. Tim Walz I know very well. He served in the House. To characterize him as left is so unreal. It’s just not, he’s right down the middle. He’s a heartland of America Democrat," Pelosi told MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
Walz, a former congressman, is in his second term as governor of Minnesota, a Democratic-leaning state that the Trump campaign has aimed at flipping this cycle. No Republican White House candidate has won Minnesota since 1972.
