MINNEAPOLIS – When Vice President Kamala Harris selected a relatively unknown governor from the Midwest as her running mate, she acknowledged a practical progressive known for utilizing tough love to succeed in elections and drive significant policy changes.

This increased attention on Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz, age 60, highlights his reputation for being laid-back. However, his experience as a six-term congressman and state executive reveals a deep understanding of political strategies combined with a friendly demeanor.

“He’s approachable and has a wealth of knowledge on practical matters,” remarked former congressional colleague and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to YSL News.

The vice presidency doesn’t come with a fixed set of responsibilities. According to the Constitution, the VP serves as the president of the U.S. Senate and holds the power to cast tie-breaking votes. Additionally, the VP stands as the successor if anything happens to the president, a situation that has arisen nine times throughout American history. The specific duties of each vice president largely depend on the sitting president; for instance, President Joe Biden has assigned Harris to focus on issues related to the southern border and reproductive rights.

Walz’s potential responsibilities in a future Harris administration could encompass various areas he is knowledgeable in, such as education, veteran affairs, and labor unions. So, does this former football coach possess the political skills necessary not just to assist Harris in winning the election, but also to effectively serve as the nation’s second-in-command?

YSL News spoke with three individuals who have followed Walz’s political journey from Washington D.C. to Minnesota’s capital, St. Paul. They unanimously support the idea that he is ready for this elevation in responsibility.

A ‘happy warrior’ in Congress

Democratic Representative Conor Lamb from Pennsylvania began his tenure in the spring of 2018 after securing a special election victory, facing an upcoming challenge for a full term in a district that had heavily favored Trump two years prior.

Lamb was assigned to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, where Walz served as the leading Democrat, although he would soon leave for his role as governor of Minnesota.

He conveyed to YSL News that even then, Walz was seen as a “happy warrior,” enjoying the debates with Republicans on the committee while fostering genuine, bipartisan relationships.

Nevertheless, Walz was also attuned to the individual political conditions each lawmaker faced.

At the time, the committee was working on the VA Mission Act, aimed at improving veterans’ access to non-VA healthcare. When it came time for the full committee vote, the bill lacked certain provisions Walz felt were necessary. However, he advised newer Democrats that it was acceptable to support the legislation – he explained it wasn’t a bad bill and demonstrated an openness to collaborate with Republicans.

Lamb had entered Congress without many allies, as he had campaigned in part against Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker who was then the Democratic minority leader. Walz assured Lamb that he would assist in getting bills out of committee that could enhance his reelection chances.

“It was politically astute of him to consider how he could help you achieve some legislative successes,” Lamb said, “but it was also just kind; he recognized I needed support, and that’s what he offered.”

“That left a significant impact on me. He didn’t have to do that.”

Lamb successfully secured his seat in the 2018 elections, and the VA bill ultimately became law in 2019, signed by Trump.

Walz during a crisis

Ellison has observed firsthand Walz’s capacity to lead as an independent thinker eager to comprehend perspectives beyond his own, both politically and otherwise.

As Minnesota’s Attorney General, Ellison collaborated closely with Walz during significant challenges, particularly during the riots that erupted after the 2020 murder of George Floyd while in police custody. Although Walz faced considerable criticism during this period, Ellison expressed pride in the governor’s handling of the crisis.

“He’s a Swiss army knife,” Ellison remarked, having known Walz for over 20 years. “This ticket identified a deficiency within both parties by selecting Tim.”

In a tense time when the world was reacting to the footage of Floyd’s death while Minneapolis was burning on live television, Walz was tasked with balancing the need for safety while honoring a grieving community in a moment that represented a larger call for racial justice reform.

His leadership faced backlash, particularly related to the timing of activating the Army National Guard. As a veteran himself, Walz called for the deployment of the guard three days post-Floyd’s death, coincidentally on the night when the Minneapolis police precinct was set ablaze. He subsequently fully mobilized the guard three days later.

Ellison emphasized that the situation was far more intricate than the timeline indicates, particularly involving the logistical challenges of assembling an army not on immediate standby. To him, Walz acted with both empathy and promptness.

“He acted as swiftly as he could within legal parameters,” Ellison stated.

During this time, Trump commended Walz for his management of the unrest and has since attempted to claim credit for deploying the National Guard.

Up to 2023, Walz served as governor in a divided state legislature, navigating through party disputes and conflicts to drive legislative success. Walz signed

In 2020, a bipartisan bill was introduced that prohibited overly aggressive training methods for police officers, including certain chokehold techniques. These rules were aimed directly at the controversial practices that resulted in Floyd’s tragic death.

“He not only takes action when necessary, but he does so correctly,” Ellison stated. “Our goal is to restore order as swiftly as we can, which is precisely what occurred.”

Before taking office, Walz dedicated years to teaching history. Ellison noted that Walz’s skill in navigating politics stems from his experience as an educator.

“As a teacher, reaching every student isn’t always feasible. Some students face challenges that are beyond any teacher’s ability to resolve,” Ellison explained.

“However, for those who are slightly off course and require assistance,” he said, “(Walz) can make a significant impact.”

Overcoming Challenges Time and Again

Michael Brodkorb, a former Republican strategist and deputy chair of the Minnesota GOP, has spent years campaigning against Minnesota Democrats. This election cycle, he plans to vote for one of them.

“Winning people over is embedded in (Walz’s) political DNA,” Brodkorb shared with YSL News.

Identifying as a lifelong non-Trumper, Brodkorb expressed feeling lost in today’s political landscape. Even if he disagrees with Walz’s progressive views, he finds the revitalized Democratic presidential ticket to be quite appealing.

Walz faced considerable challenges entering politics, being a high school teacher without any real government experience. Nonetheless, he successfully secured a victory as a Democrat in a predominantly Republican rural area. And he continued to achieve victories.

“I devoted a lot of my career to trying to unseat this guy,” Brodkorb remarked, recalling that he had been running a campaign for a GOP congressman in Walz’s initial congressional bid.

Walz maintained his congressional seat for twelve years before becoming Minnesota’s 41st governor in 2018. What was the secret to his success? According to Brodkorb, it was his authenticity and adaptability.

Brodkorb recounted a post from Minnesota Democratic Representative Angie Craig after Harris selected Walz as her running mate, stating: “He’s someone who can participate in a turkey hunt in the morning and a LGBTQ+ gala by night.”

“In this highly partisan climate, those can often be opposing activities, yet he feels at ease in both settings,” Brodkorb observed.

In response to ongoing mass shootings, Walz strengthened his position on gun reform, boldly stating that he transitioned from holding an ‘A’ rating with the National Rifle Association to an ‘F’. Brodkorb viewed this as emblematic of “political courage.”

Despite Walz’s empathetic leadership and problem-solving abilities, Brodkorb warned that his steadfast commitment to his principles could prove to be a “dangerous combination” for the Trump-Vance campaign this coming November.

Some believe that “nice guys finish last,” Brodkorb remarked, “but truly tough people come out on top.” Regarding Walz, he added: “He possesses a certain strength.”