Indian American Democrats hail Tim Walz as Kamala Harris’ running mate

Indian American Democrats have hailed Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the upcoming presidential election, while Republicans criticized it as “doubling down on the progressive movement.”

US House member Ro Khanna (D-California) took to social media to commend Walz as an “excellent choice,” posting on X, “When he was in the House, he was genuinely liked by all his colleagues. He is a teacher and a football coach and will help us build a bold agenda for working and middle-class families.”

READ: Kamala Harris picks battle tested Tim Walz as running mate (August 6, 2024)

Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Michigan) was happy at Harris choosing Walz as her running mate stating that he “loves it.”

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois) welcomed the decision in a post on X. “Governor Tim Walz is an exceptional public servant and an even better person. As a veteran, coach, and teacher, his blend of experience makes him an outstanding choice to be our nation’s next Vice President,” he said.

Maryland’s Indian American governor Aruna Miller commended Harris on her “outstanding choice of Governor Walz as a running mate.”

“From his time as a high school teacher in Minnesota to his 24 years in the Army National Guard and 12 years as a Congressman, Governor Walz exemplifies dedication and public service,” she stated. “His accomplishments in his home state clearly demonstrate where his priorities lie-with the people who depend on his leadership.”

“Whether leading a state or a nation, we need leaders with moral conviction and a talent for finding common ground,” Miller stated. “This is the kind of partnership Joe Biden had with Barack Obama, the kind Kamala Harris has with Joe Biden, and the kind Tim Walz will bring to the 47th President of the United States.”

Jay Chaudhuri, North Carolina Senate Democratic Whip, called Walz’ selection as “exactly what our Democratic ticket needs over the next 92 days.”

“Walz will be able to communicate our message of hope to suburban and rural state Senate districts. And, he’ll be a great governing partner with Vice President Kamala Harris,” he stated.

Indian American Impact, leading community political advocacy organization, said it was thrilled to support both Kamala Harris and Tim Walz this November. KDH’s choice makes clear that this Democratic ticket is committed to unity and inclusivity.”

“Tim Walz has a proven track record of policies that have improved the lives of Minnesotans. Under his leadership, Minnesota enshrined abortion as a fundamental right, introduced automatic voter registration, passed paid family and medical leave, and established new climate goals,” it stated .

On the Republican side, former presidential candidate Nikki Haley described the move as “doubling down on the progressive movement.”

“Waltz is a win for open borders, socialism, and Iran,” she posted on X. “Democrats are going to have to explain this movement towards deeper antisemitism. We are seeing it in the protests, in the rhetoric by the Squad and members of Congress, and now in the VP pick. They can’t talk this away as coincidence. It’s concerning.”

Another former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said in an interview with Fox News that Harris’ decision reveals how she will govern and “buckle to pressure.”

“Kamala just made her first presidential-style decision. She may or may not be ideological, but she showed which wing she’ll ultimately cave to. It’s more revealing than anything she might say in the next 3 months,” he said.

Ramaswamy also called Walz a “massive gift to Republicans.” He remarked that the “media continues to offer Kamala the race on a silver platter, but she seemingly declined to accept it.”