Harris introduces running mate Walz at rally as passed-over Shapiro fires up Philly crowd
Vice President Kamala Harris has introduced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate at a boisterous rally in Philadelphia just hours after announcing the affable politician as her pick.
“I set out to find a partner who can help build this brighter future,” Harris says, joking that the past two weeks since she stepped into the race have been “something of a whirlwind.”
“I’m here today because I’ve found such a leader.”
Speaking to a raucous crowd of more than 10,000 at Temple University, Harris describes Walz’s background as a former high school teacher and football coach, an Army National Guard veteran and a former congressman, before predicting that he would earn a new title in November: vice president of the United States.
“He’s the kind of person who makes people feel like they belong and then inspires them to dream big,” she says.
Walz beat out Pennsylvania’s popular governor, Josh Shapiro, for the No. 2 role. Shapiro had faced sharp criticism from the left, especially progressive groups and pro-Palestinian activists, over his support for Israel and his handling of college protests sparked by the war in Gaza.
Shapiro, an ambitious politician in his own right, struggled with the idea of being No. 2 at the White House and said he felt he had more to do in Pennsylvania, according to one of the people familiar with Harris’ decision.
Shapiro praises the Harris/Walz ticket at the rally in Philadelphia, receiving big applause from thousands of attendees during a fiery speech in which he attacks Republicans and promises to “work my tail off” to get Harris elected.
“I love you Philly. You know what else I love, I love being your governor,” Shapiro says. “I am going to continue pouring my heart and soul into continuing to serve you every single day as your governor.”
Shapiro, an observant Jew, tells the crowd he is “proud of my faith” and quotes from Ethics of Our Fathers, a Talmudic compendium of rabbinical philosophy.
“My faith teaches me that no one is required to complete the task but neither are we free to refrain from it,” he says. “That means that each of us has a responsibility to get off the sidelines, to get in the game, to do our part.”
He also offers a strong endorsement of Walz, telling the crowd that he is an “outstanding governor” and a “great patriot.”
Walz returns the compliment when he takes the stage later with Harris.
“My God, what a treasure you have in Josh Shapiro,” he says. “Holy hell, can this guy bring the fire.”
