MINNEAPOLIS — We're just hours away from the expected announcement of Kamala Harris' running mate. It's being widely reported on Monday that her top two picks are Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Monday evening Walz headlined a fundraiser for Harris at the Glass House event center in Minneapolis just a day after he was in D.C. conducting final interviews.
There were questions whether the governor would even show up at the private event - one the press is rarely invited to. But by late in the afternoon, and ordered to not take any pictures or video, KARE 11 Reporter Jennifer Hoff spoke with supporters in the pouring rain who called Walz humble and smart.
"The governor talked about bringing joy back to politics and back to the country; it was really moving," said one supporter who started crying.
Walz spoke on stage for 10 minutes, calling the election an opportunity to spread joy and end division. He also defended calling Republicans "weird" - a now viral nickname that he says wasn't a slur, but rather an observation.
Some analysts say he's really catching on across the country.
"He's got to overcome that recognition type of issue and show he brings something to ticket," said Hamline University Professor David Schultz, who says Walz has a record of winning rural voters.
The soldier turned teacher, known for his dad jokes, could also help Democrats win Wisconsin and Michigan, which are crucial battleground states.
"Generally people vote for the president, they don't vote for the vice president, but in an election where it's going to come down to 150,000 votes across six swing states, moving very small numbers of people, maybe it matters in this election," said Schultz.
No matter who you vote for, it's been a whirlwind process just two weeks after President Joe Biden dropped out.
"I thought it was a great start to what's going to be a thrilling next 92 days," said another Walz supporter outside the event.
Besides Walz and Shapiro, there were about four other finalists. Whoever Harris names will join her for a series of rallies this week, including one in Eau Claire on Wednesday.
