The 2024 election is getting extremely heated. It just reached another level.
As a surprise attack on Kamala Harris just shocked all of Washington, D.C.
Mark Penn Criticizes Kamala Harris’ Choice of Tim Walz as Running Mate
In a recent development, Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, a decision that has drawn criticism from former Bill Clinton adviser Mark Penn. Penn expressed his disappointment on Tuesday, stating that this choice signals a dominant influence of “the left” if Harris and Walz win the upcoming election.
Walz, known for his progressive stance on immigration and transgender policies, was chosen over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who was rumored to be Harris’ top pick. During an appearance on “The Story With Martha MacCallum,” Penn argued that selecting Walz over Shapiro indicates Harris’ intent to cater to the Democratic base.
“I’m disappointed in the choice. I had really suggested that Josh Shapiro would be the best choice for a multitude of reasons, but mostly that, ideologically, Josh Shapiro really put down a marker that the left wasn’t going to control this next administration and it was a reach out to centrists,” Penn remarked. He further added that Walz’s selection aligns more with Bernie Sanders’ preferences and signals a strong alignment with the party’s base. Penn emphasized that both Harris and Trump have chosen running mates who consolidate their core supporters rather than reaching out to centrists.
Chuck Todd from NBC also weighed in, suggesting that “progressive backlash” against Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly influenced Harris’ decision to pick Walz. Shapiro faced criticism from Democratic anti-Israel activists for his pro-Israel stance, which may have contributed to his being overlooked.
Penn voiced his concerns about Walz’s national recognition, stating, “No one actually knows who he is. He has zero national name recognition, so he’s going to be … whatever the media says he’s going to be … I don’t know if we’re ever going to know what this ticket really stands for.” He lamented that Harris missed an opportunity to secure a broader electoral appeal by not choosing Shapiro.
The decision to select Walz, according to Penn, represents a strategic move to double down on the liberal base rather than appealing to centrist voters. He believes that both Harris and Trump have chosen to reinforce their existing support rather than attract new voters from the center.
In a parallel move, former President Donald Trump selected Republican Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate in July. Pollster Frank Luntz described Trump’s choice as reinforcing his base. “He chose to double down. And J.D. Vance comes from the background that Trump’s focusing on, so he’s credible. And he’s got the language because this is how he grew up,” Luntz commented. He highlighted the importance of appealing to voters who live paycheck to paycheck, a significant demographic that could swing the election results.
Luntz concluded that this demographic, which traditionally favors Democrats, played a crucial role in Trump’s previous electoral success. “That segment, if they break for Harris, she’s the next president. If Trump can keep them, he’s the next president.”
As the election approaches, the choices of running mates by both Harris and Trump exemplify their strategies to solidify their respective bases and the critical role these decisions will play in the outcome of the election.
Donald Trump Makes A Play For Rust Belt, Kamala Makes A Play For Radical Progressives
Donald Trump’s pick of J.D. Vance was a smart pick to ensure that he has the strongest ticket to win over critical Rust Belt swing states like Michigan that could very well be the clinching wins in the path to victory Donald Trump is eyeing for this November.
J.D. Vance is absolutely going to be able to connect with working class individuals in the region who feel disenfranchised by modern political radicals, particularly on the radical Left.
On the other hand, the pick from Kamala Harris to round out her ticket, Tim Walz, is some what of an arrogant pick for her. She’s signaling that she doesn’t care about even really appealing to Rust Belt voters.
He’s about as radical as it gets. J.D. Vance is almost the antithesis of Tim Walz. These two picks truly demonstrate how different these two tickets are.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
