Harris’ Pick Of Walz Amps Up Excitement In Midwestern States

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By AP News

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Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will spend their first full day as running mates on Wednesday rallying Democrats across the Midwest, a politically divided region that is crucial to their effort to win the White House in less than three months. Read more.

Why this matters:

Walz’s addition to the ticket has soothed some tensions in the states. The Biden-Harris coalition showed signs of fraying over the summer, particularly in Michigan, which has emerged as a focal point of Democratic divisions over the administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. With Biden now out of the race and Harris officially the Democratic nominee, leaders of the Arab American community and key unions say they are encouraged by the choice.

Leaders say Democratic enthusiasm has surged since Harris announced her candidacy. That could be pivotal in Detroit, which is nearly 80% Black, where leaders for months had warned administration officials that voter apathy could cost them in a city that’s typically a stronghold for their party.

Donald Trump had put a similar emphasis on appealing to voters in Midwestern states with his choice of Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his vice presidential pick. Vance will again bracket the Harris-Walz ticket with appearances in the same states on Wednesday.

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