MSNBC commentators express skepticism over Vice President Harris's choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, citing his lack of centrist appeal and potential alienating of voters in key swing states.
Vice President Kamala Harris's selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate has raised eyebrows among anti-Trump media figures, who question the choice's safety and appeal to centrists.
CNN commentator Van Jones expressed concern over potential antisemitism influencing Harris's decision to overlook Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish. Jones suggested that Harris may have succumbed to "some of these darker parts of the party."
MSNBC Pundits Question Kamala Harris's 'Not Safe' VP Pick, Governor Walz
Former Ohio governor and MSNBC contributor John Kasich believes Walz's selection pushes the Democratic ticket further to the left, potentially alienating moderate voters. He expressed surprise at the choice, stating that Shapiro would have been more beneficial.
MSNBC's Charlie Sykes echoed these concerns, claiming Walz was not a "safe pick" due to his lack of centrist appeal. He argued that Shapiro, as a resident of a key swing state, would have better served the party's efforts in reaching out to moderates.
MSNBC Pundits Question Kamala Harris's 'Not Safe' VP Pick, Governor Walz
Sykes further questioned Harris's decision-making process, suggesting that the anti-Israeli sentiment within the party's online base may have influenced her choice to exclude Shapiro. He emphasized that Shapiro's views on Israel were not significantly different from other candidates, raising concerns about potential bias.
CNN's David Axelrod praised Walz as a capable politician, but acknowledged his lack of contributions to securing swing states. He noted that Minnesota has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1972.
MSNBC Pundits Question Kamala Harris's 'Not Safe' VP Pick, Governor Walz
CNN's S.E. Cupp pointed out that Walz's selection appeased the party's progressive wing, earning endorsements from Representative Ilhan Omar and Senator Bernie Sanders. However, she cautioned that the "good vibes" surrounding Harris and Walz would eventually fade, and they would face scrutiny from both Republicans and the media.
Alyssa Farah Griffin, co-host of "The View" and CNN political commentator, labeled Harris's choice an "extraordinary missed opportunity." She noted that while Walz had certain strengths, he was not perceived as a moderating force on the Democratic ticket.
MSNBC Pundits Question Kamala Harris's 'Not Safe' VP Pick, Governor Walz
Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle expressed concern over Harris's public speaking abilities and political decision-making, writing that she had "done nothing" to inspire confidence.
Other pundits took to social media to react to the Walz pick. Former CNN pundit Chris Cillizza described it as "such a weird choice," while MSNBC's Brendan Buck labeled it "very 2019." Buck also expressed concerns about Harris's decision-making.
Walz's recent comments referring to his Republican opponents as "weird people" have drawn attention and potential criticism. In a speech last month, he dismissed his competition as "a little bit creeped out," but not afraid.
Walz's supporters praised his progressive values and commitment to representing the needs of marginalized groups. Critics, however, expressed concerns about his lack of national name recognition and potential alienation of moderate voters in key swing states.
