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As we approach the 2024 election, the choice of Vice President for Kamala Harris is more than just a strategic decision; it is a statement about the values and direction of the Democratic Party. I have been vocal about the need for a change at the top of the ticket, because I believe the Democratic bench is deep and brimming with talent. From popular governors to an astronaut senator, our party has leaders who resonate with the American people.
In my view, the most crucial criterion for a Vice President is the ability to connect with working-class voters. This connection is not about rhetoric but about shared experiences and a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by everyday Americans. One such potential candidate is Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a leader whose background and record make him a winning choice for the Rust Belt.
The Rust Belt is synonymous with America's industrial might. It's long been a bastion of working-class values and aspirations. Yet in recent years, it has also become a battleground for political allegiances, with many feeling increasingly alienated by politics. As a former Congressman representing Ohio, I know firsthand the concerns of these communities. They are not just voters; they are families, neighbors, and friends whose livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the economic policies and political priorities of our nation.
For the Democratic presidential ticket to earn the trust and support of Rust Belt voters, it must address their core concerns directly and sincerely. The conversation must begin with jobs—specifically, good-paying, secure jobs that can sustain families. These communities need assurances that the government is committed to revitalizing manufacturing, investing in infrastructure, and supporting small businesses that are the backbone of local economies. It's not enough to talk about job creation in abstract terms; the policies must be concrete, actionable, and tailored to the unique needs of these regions.
Health care is another critical issue. The pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities in our health care system, and Rust Belt voters are acutely aware of the disparities in access and affordability. The Democratic ticket must make it clear that it is committed to not just protecting, but expanding access to affordable healthcare. This means tackling the high cost of prescription drugs, safeguarding Medicare and Medicaid, and ensuring that rural communities have the medical facilities and professionals they need.
Education and workforce development are equally essential. The future of the Rust Belt depends on equipping workers with the skills needed for emerging industries. This requires a robust investment in vocational training, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs that can provide pathways to well-paying jobs. It's about offering hope and opportunity, showing that the Democratic Party understands the dignity of work and is committed to helping all Americans achieve their full potential.
For all these reasons, Harris should pick Walz as a running mate.
Tim Walz is not just a governor; he is a high school teacher, a football coach, and a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard. Serving in Congress, he represented a deep-red district, demonstrating his ability to bridge divides and speak to a broad spectrum of voters. As the highest-ranking enlisted soldier ever to serve in Congress, Tim brought a unique perspective to issues of national security and veterans' affairs. Born and raised in a small town, he has spent his career working on agriculture, veterans, and rural issues—key areas that resonate with voters in the Midwest and beyond.
As the most pro-labor governor in the country, Tim Walz has consistently championed the rights of workers, a legacy that aligns with the Midwest's strong tradition of elected officials who understand the needs of working people. His recent remarks, labeling the politics of division and extremism as simply "weird," struck a chord with many Americans tired of the toxic rhetoric that has come to dominate our political discourse. Tim Walz embodies a commonsense, pragmatic approach to governance that is sorely needed in these times.
As former Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa aptly put it, true populism isn't about "bashing" others; it's about using the powers of government to ensure that the economy works for everyone. This means addressing the realities faced by those who, as Harkin said, might not even have boots to pull themselves up by. It is this ethos—of government as a force for good, a protector of opportunity and fairness—that must guide our choices as a party and as a nation.
In the coming months, as Vice President Harris continues to champion issues like jobs, affordable health care, and personal freedoms, it is crucial that the Democratic ticket also includes voices like Tim Walz's—voices that resonate with the core values of decency, joy, and hope that define America. The choice of Vice President is not just a political calculation; it is a testament to the values we hold and the future we envision for our country.
Vice President Harris: Pick Tim Walz.
Tim Ryan is the President of the We The People Action Fund.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
