Why Kamala Harris Chose Tim Walz Over Josh Shapiro: Insights from a Former GOP Insider

Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, edging out Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. This decision has sparked discussions and theories about why Walz was chosen over Shapiro, especially considering Pennsylvania's critical role as a swing state.

Republican political consultant Mike Murphy recently provided his perspective on the choice. He acknowledged Shapiro's appeal, particularly in Pennsylvania, a pivotal state for the Democratic ticket. Shapiro's popularity could have been a significant asset. "I think [Shapiro] would be a solid choice, and probably somebody ought to tell him, we have these things called microphones and amplifiers now. Shouting speeches are highly overrated, unless you’re very good at it,” Murphy quipped on MSNBC.

Murphy challenged the old political notion that selecting a running mate from a key state guarantees victory in that state. He highlighted that modern elections are more about messaging than geographical strategy. "The theory that you pick a guy from the state you need to win the state was perfectly right in 1908, but elections are nationalized now. They’re about message. My friend [Democratic strategist] Paul Begala often reminds us that Mitt Romney picked Paul Ryan and he didn’t even carry Ryan’s congressional district," he noted.

Although Murphy didn't dismiss Shapiro's qualifications, he suggested that the governor might be overrated. "Now, I don’t think Shapiro would be a bad choice, but I think he’s overrated. The conventional wisdom is a myth that, frankly, isn’t that true in the world of campaigns anymore," he stated.

Initially, Murphy advocated for Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of Transportation and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. However, he later expressed support for Walz, calling him a “solid pick” and a “(very) good communicator” on social media.

Murphy added that Walz's effectiveness would extend beyond Pennsylvania, resonating with voters in critical states like Wisconsin and Michigan. "A lot of the CW spin about Shapiro focused on Pennsylvania and while I don’t believe VPs can deliver states, it is notable that Walz will be very effective and resonate on the trail in critical Wisconsin and Michigan," Murphy explained.

Tim Walz, a former congressman, has been Minnesota's governor since 2018, continuing the Democratic Party's 12-year leadership in the state. The last Republican to hold statewide office in Minnesota was Governor Tim Pawlenty, re-elected in 2006.