I was a very obvious skeptic of the selection of Tim Walz as Kamala Harris’ running mate. Turns out she is smarter than me. (This may not surprise all — or any — of you.)
I knew of Walz before the pick. He had beaten a Republican Congressman to win his seat in Congress. I knew he got elected governor a few years later. But, honestly, he wasn’t someone political people told me to keep an eye on. Not regarded as an amazing public speaker. Not in the ranks of rising stars. You get the idea.
So when I heard Harris was considering him as VP, I figured it was sort of a feint to the Midwest -- but that she would never actually pick him. And when she did pick him, I thought it was a mistake, bypassing the obvious electorally smart selection of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
As I watched Walz close out the 3rd night of the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, I realized something: I had badly underestimated him.
That isn’t to say his speech was some piece of oratory that will ring throughout the ages. It wasn’t. From a political rhetoric standpoint, Oprah Winfrey probably gave the best speech of the night, actually.
But, in terms of authenticity, in terms of being totally and completely comfortable in your own skin, Walz was amazing.
He came across as real. As a Midwestern guy who loves football, helping kids and his family. Speaking of which, the most memorable moment of the night came when Walz’s son, Gus, said “That’s my Dad!” during his speech.
So, I get it now. I still don’t think Walz (or any VP pick) matters ALL that much to voters. But, Walz was terrific last night. Everything you could hope a VP pick would be and say.
And I am sorry, Governor, for underestimating you. That’s on me.
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