While Democrats cheer Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as Kamala Harris’ running mate, Republican political pros are absolutely giddy.
“I am ecstatic. I am so pleased with this pick,” said Sean Spicer, former White House spokesman for Donald Trump, on Mark Halperin’s “The Morning Meeting” just minutes after the news broke. “I think putting Pennsylvania in play was such a smarter move.”
“Walz combines the socialism of Bernie Sanders with the incompetence of Michael Scott,” GOP strategist Matt Wolking quipped.
And Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, the head of the National Republican Senate Committee, tweeted: “Thanks, Kamala.”
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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro had been considered the front-runner to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ pick, partly because he’s viewed as a moderate Democrat.
Walz, on the other hand, is an unapologetic progressive whose record as governor of the Gopher State is “an oppo research goldmine,” according to one GOP strategist.
“Tim Walz is a radical extremist,” said longtime Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski.
By picking Walz, “Harris has doubled-down on her biggest problem: She’s too far to the left,” said veteran GOP strategist Pat Griffin. “Trump made the same mistake, doubling down on his base and giving Democrats an advantage. Harris just leveled the playing field.”
On the list of issues Republicans have already highlighted is Walz’s record on illegal immigration. He’s signed bills giving undocumented immigrants driver’s licenses, taxpayer-funded health care and college tuition. He also is a strong supporter of sanctuary cities.
Walz signed a bill legalizing abortion through the entire nine months of pregnancy, and he signed an order allowing minors to undergo sex-reassignmentÂ
