Kamala Harris and Tim Walz rallied supporters Tuesday in Philadelphia, making their first appearance together as the official 2024 Democrat ticket.
Their joint campaign event was held at the Liacouras Center, a 10,000-seat basketball arena on the campus of Temple University. The rally comes after Harris revealed her running mate earlier in the day following weeks of speculation over her choice for vice president.
Harris Introduces Walz
“We are the underdogs in this race,” Harris told the crowd in her opening remarks, while also stating that her campaign has the “momentum” it takes to ultimately win the race.
Harris spoke about her running mate’s experience as an educator and football coach, telling supporters that he was the kind of teacher and mentor that every child deserves.
She also highlighted Walz as a military veteran, union supporter, and champion for middle-class working Americans. He championed free school meals for every child in his state, Harris said.
A Harris–Walz administration will push to restore abortion access and voting rights, Harris pledged to voters.
She also vowed that, with Walz by her side, they will pass universal background checks and an “assault weapons” ban.
“Tim Walz will be ready on day one,” Harris said.
Walz Makes First Remarks as VP Nominee
Walz, in his first remarks as Harris’s VP pick, said that he was thrilled to be on the incredible journey with her. He spoke about his experience as a veteran, congressman, governor, and family man.
The Army National Guard veteran said in his remarks that he “proudly wore the uniform” of the United States. Walz was the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to serve in the U.S. Congress. He served six terms in Congress beginning in 2007.
Harris and Walz also had some criticisms for the Republican ticket during their first campaign event, with Walz saying former President Donald Trump would take the United States backward.
“I can’t wait to debate the guy,” Walz said of Republican presidential nominee JD Vance.
Shapiro Stumps for Harris–Walz
Although he was not chosen as Harris’s running mate, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro took the stage and addressed the crowd of supporters ahead of their appearance, throwing his support behind Walz.
“Tim Walz is a great man, Tim Walz is an outstanding governor, Tim Walz is a teacher, Tim Walz is a guardsman, Tim Walz a great patriot,” Shapiro said.
Harris acknowledged Shapiro, telling the crowd that they will win Pennsylvania with Josh Shapiro as governor.
What’s Next
Following their rally in Philadelphia Tuesday, Harris and Walz are scheduled to stay on the road this week to continue their campaign blitz of battleground states.
Both Harris and her new VP pick will participate in a ceremonial vote when the Democratic National Committee kicks off its convention in Chicago on Aug. 19. Walz is scheduled to address the convention on Aug. 21, while Harris will speak on Aug. 22.
Meanwhile, Vance also rallied supporters in Philadelphia earlier Tuesday for his first campaign stop in Pennsylvania since being named Trump’s running mate.