Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed the characterization of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, chosen by Vice President Kamala Harris as her running mate, as "left," emphasizing his centrist views.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has vehemently defended the selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, refuting claims that he is a progressive.
"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 asserted on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
Pelosi Rejects Notion of Walz as 'Progressive' as Harris Running Mate
Pelosi's endorsement of Walz counters criticisms from some quarters that he is too far to the left for the Democratic ticket. Walz, a former congressman, is currently serving his second term as governor of Minnesota, a state viewed by the Trump campaign as a potential swing state.
Despite Walz's progressive record, Pelosi maintains that he is a moderate. "Really it’s mystifying to me to see someone that I worked with, shall we say right down the middle, characterized on the left in this regard," Pelosi said. "He has her confidence, obviously. That was the decision that the presidential nominee, soon-to-be president of the United States, has made. I respect her decision. I respect all the rest," she added, referring to Harris' other VP options.
Pelosi Rejects Notion of Walz as 'Progressive' as Harris Running Mate
Pelosi praised Walz's focus on working-class families, rural America, and veterans. She also highlighted his electoral success in Minnesota, a state that has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1972.
"He has a great vision for our country. It’s about working-class families, about rural America, about our veterans. He has won for governor two times in Minnesota. Reverend [Al] Sharpton talked about his decision in terms of the George Floyd, such a sad situation. And obviously, we respect the judgment of our nominee for president. Her comfort level is our comfort level," Pelosi said.
Pelosi Rejects Notion of Walz as 'Progressive' as Harris Running Mate
Walz served in the House of Representatives for five terms, representing Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. During his final two years in Congress, he was the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
Walz has recently criticized his opponents, former President Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, as "weird" and "fascists." He has also called on progressive men to embrace their values and reject the fear-mongering tactics of the right.
Harris reportedly considered other potential running mates, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.
In conclusion, Pelosi's defense of Walz as a centrist Democrat challenges the narrative of him being a progressive. Her assertion highlights Harris's confidence in his abilities and her own judgment in selecting him as her running mate.
