In the upcoming 2024 presidential race in the United States, much attention is being paid to Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as the Democratic and Republican nominees respectively. Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in an effort to pull ahead in what is expected to be a close race. While historically, vice presidential picks are seen as having minimal impact on election outcomes, the unique dynamics of this race have led to speculation about Walz’s potential to influence the race. With recent presidential elections being decided by razor-thin margins and the Electoral College system favoring the GOP, Harris needs support in key swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Walz, who is a white male with ties to the Midwest, could potentially appeal to voters in these crucial battleground states. However, the tactic of selecting a white male running mate to balance a history-making candidate like Harris reflects deeper societal issues of racism and sexism. The historical precedent of pairing history-making candidates with more traditional running mates is evident in past elections, such as John F Kennedy selecting Lyndon B Johnson in 1960. Some have drawn comparisons between Biden’s selection as a running mate in 2008 and Walz’s current role on the Democratic ticket. Analysts see Walz as a charismatic politician with ties to battleground states who may be able to sway just enough voters to help Harris win the presidency. Only time will tell if Walz can make a difference in the outcome of what is shaping up to be a closely watched and highly contested election.
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