Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, has expressed concerns over the selection of current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, suggesting that Democrats are embracing a 'democrat-socialist agenda.'
Pawlenty, a former GOP presidential candidate and governor of Minnesota from 2003-2011, highlighted the ideological alignment between Walz and Harris but noted differences in style and background that Walz brings to the 2024 Democratic ticket.
Walz's progressive record, including collaborations with Republicans on infrastructure investments, tax cuts for working families, and legislation on paid family leave and gun control, has drawn praise from Harris. However, Republicans view his record as too liberal and extreme, citing issues such as the response to the 2020 George Floyd riots and COVID-19 relief fraud scandals.
Pawlenty, who was considered as a potential vice presidential candidate in the past, commended Walz's campaigning skills and predicted a surge in energy for the Harris campaign leading up to the election.
While Pawlenty does not support the Harris-Walz ticket and has voted for former President Trump, he anticipates the Trump campaign will portray the Democratic ticket as radical and question its appeal to voters in swing states like Pennsylvania.
As the election approaches, the political landscape is set for a clash of ideologies and campaign strategies between the Democratic ticket of Harris and Walz and the Republican campaign led by Trump.
