Tim Walz Is Kamala Harris’ V.P. Pick. Watch Our Interview With Him.

I’ve watched a lot of presidential campaigns, and I can’t remember one in which the contest for the Democratic vice-presidential nomination has played out quite so publicly. One breakthrough voice has been Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota. Before last week, he didn’t have much of a national profile. But then he went on “Morning Joe” and said of Donald Trump and JD Vance, “These guys are just weird.”
That one line has transformed the Democratic Party’s messaging, with everyone from Vice President Kamala Harris to Senator Joe Manchin using similar language.

But it’s the kind of criticism that risks coming off as condescending to those who support Trump and Vance, similar to Hillary Clinton’s “deplorables” comment in 2016. But what has stood out to me about Walz’s political ethos is his confidence in speaking on behalf of everyday Americans — a confidence his track record backs up. Walz comes from a very small town and repeatedly won House races in a district that heavily favored Trump.

So I invited him on the show to talk about how he walks this line between attacking Republican politicians without alienating Republican voters and how he thinks Democrats can control the narrative of this election and start winning some of those voters back.

The Most Secret Memory of Men by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr

Command and Control by Eric Schlosser

The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham

This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Rollin Hu and Claire Gordon. Video edited by Jan Kobal. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, with Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, with additional mixing by Aman Sahota. Our senior editor is Claire Gordon. The show’s production team also includes Annie Galvin, Elias Isquith and Kristin Lin. Original music by Isaac Jones. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.

Thumbnail photo credit: Nicole Craine for The New York Times

[arnoldchristine]

He pauses and thinks just like an experienced teacher with a curious student and gives an honest answer without pretending to know.

[abigailw]

I’m a MN public school teacher. I can’t emphasize enough how much universal breakfast/lunch is a slam-dunk policy that has multiple benefits while ensuring kids are fed. I’ve had many middle-class parents tell me how much free breakfast/lunch has helped their budgets. Also, my district has been renovating all the cafeterias to have commercial kitchens (started way prior to the legislation), so all of our meals are made in-house, and many of those meals are directly sourced from local farms, meaning farmers are also getting a cut of those state funds. I’m constantly sending pictures to my non-teacher friends of my school lunches because they are so good.

[Andreamus]

I just “discovered” this guy, and he is probably one of the best, most sane, down to earth, sensible and authentic, empathetic American politician I have ever come across. He actually talks policies and solutions, explains without simplifying, is reflective and provides context and perspective.
He is truly a fresh breath of air!

[Davidkaisermusic]

I’m a MN teacher, I’ve voted for Walz in 3 previous elections, and it’s a breath of fresh air to see someone I understand, can relate to, and feel they are sensitive to the challenges facing most families be the VP nominee. I also love that he is truly a regular person with that doesn’t speak in the super polished political jargon we’re used to hearing. He’s a teacher at heart and building relationships is his superpower. I’m proud to have him representing our states values on the national stage.

[Soulbloom]

It's striking to see him go from joyful dad on the campaign trail to sober, well-informed, articulate leader on policy. It's delightful to see the depth and breadth.

[justinlee]

If you've come here to learn more about Kamala's VP pick, you're in the right place. This interview is outstanding!

[ptlahm]

Wow! He’s doing more than just hitting talking points. He’s actually discussing the issues. And he sounds so…. sane! Reasonable, open-minded, thoughtful…

[MikeMontgomery]

Finally. Someone that sounds like a regular person with rational thought.

[markscheithe-krzc]

As a Republican I find Tim Walz extremely inviting for a partisan government. He does see good points in the Republican movement that make sense and wants to talk about them. Not call out his aponent as radical. I respect this man!

[theresaavery]

How can you not like this guy? Two weeks ago, I had never heard of him. Now, I consider him my new friend and want his family to meet my family at a cook out and share some beers. He talks like a normal person and very straight forward like my other friend who doesn't know me, Pete Buttigieg!! This is the type of person we can all benefit from and just maybe get us back on track from the derailment Trump has caused.

[sunnymoondog]

Tim Walz seems to be the most genuine, realistic, down-to-earth, wonderful person. I would love to see him as our president someday.

[justgivemethetruth]

Tim Walz is the perfect man for this VP slot in this short Presidential election. He is a guy with a clear honest story that is instantly likeable and trustworthy. I love this guy!

[fomented]

Reasonable, articulate and doesn't patronize. This is exactly what a Dem ticket needs.

[libbiehorn]

I’m very impressed. He’s not just a nice guy, but also very intelligent, insightful, and a good communicator.

[marcamorello]

The more I hear Tim walz the more I deeply respect him.

[sbentler]

Suddenly, there is a fresh clear wind blowing through American politics. I could listen to Gov. Walz for hours…

[markr.jolliff]

He is absolutely correct when he points out that corporate Democrats have no idea of how to speak with rural America. He is also correct when he points out that if most of your students are failing, they are not the problem; you are.

[Erlrantandrage]

As a special education teacher in a public school i LOVE how Tim Walz talks about schools. The students i serve don't have the luxury of private school or homeschool. Their needs are too great and their parents are too overwhelmed to have the option of having their kids educated in any other way. Public schools aren't perfect but the fact that any student, regardless of race, gender, religion or disability has the OPPORTUNITY to gain an education is the most powerful equalizer in the history of humanity. I am so glad Harris picked a VP who understands the power of a public education.

[SifuHallyu]

48 minutes in and Tim's got my vote. Dude is legit.

[wp]

The more I see and hear Walz, the more I admire him. He is a straight talking breath of fresh air. Kamala Harris made a very smart decision to ask Walz to be her VP. It will be great to have him in the White House and presiding in the Senate.