"A champion who understands America”: Celebrities and politicians endorse Tim Walz as Kamala Harris' running mate

Opinion
07 Aug 24

Democratic nominees Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Credit: Kamala Harris/X

After Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, a flood of endorsements and support poured in from celebrities and politicians across the United States.

Politicians and celebrities, including President Barack Obama and Mark Hamill, have expressed their support for Kamala Harris' vice-presidential pick, Tim Walz.

The 60-year-old Minnesota governor was announced as the running mate of Harris, the presumptive Democratic candidate for president, on Tuesday after weeks of speculation.

The decision was praised on social media by stars such as Rob Reiner, the lauded film-maker and Democratic fundraiser, who had called on Joe Biden to step down in early July, reposted a montage of Walz and then later wrote: “Harris/Walz. Let’s kick ass!”

Harris/Walz. Let’s kick ass!

— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) August 6, 2024

Cynthia Nixon, best known for her role in Sex and the City and her unsuccessful campaign to be governor of New York, thanked Harris for choosing Walz, writing: "I'm Walzing on air."

I’m Walzing on air! Thank you @kamalaharris 🥥💃🥳✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/RBajqvXhPH

— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) August 6, 2024

Vermont Senator and former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders called Walz a “great asset” to Harris’ “winning” campaign. “He is a former public school teacher, football coach and strong union supporter. As governor, he delivered for working families in MN. As VP, he will deliver for the working families of the US,” he wrote.

.@Tim_Walz is a great asset to @KamalaHarris’ winning campaign & administration.

He is a former public school teacher, football coach, and strong union supporter.

As governor, he delivered for working families in MN. As VP, he will deliver for the working families of the US.

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 6, 2024

Former president and first lady, Barack and Michelle Obama, posted a statement to Instagram. commenting: "Like Vice President Harris, Governor @TimWalz believes that government works to serve us. Not just some of us, but all of us."

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A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama)

After changing his X cover photo to a picture of the Democratic nominees, actor Mark Hamill added to the praise, saying: "With Kamala Harris & Tim Walz there’s a new sense of optimism, energy & unity. There’s a joyous feeling that we can finally put the politics of anger, resentment & divisiveness behind us & truly be the United States of America!,” the actor tweeted, closing his statement with a pertinent Star Wars reference, "#ANewHope."

With @KamalaHarris & @Tim_Walz there's a new sense of optimism, energy & unity. There's a joyous feeling that we can finally put the politics of anger, resentment & divisiveness behind us & truly be the United States of America! 🇺🇸#ANewHope https://t.co/R43wde4fVa

— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) August 6, 2024

Acclaimed documentary film-maker Ken Burns, who has previously warned against Donald Trump, reposted a tweet from Walz, adding his support. “You can’t go wrong with a social studies teacher,” he wrote. “Excited to have @Tim_Walz on the ticket. Good to have someone who knows American history.”

You can't go wrong with a social studies teacher. Excited to have @Tim_Walz on the ticket. Good to have someone who knows American history. https://t.co/fDIAVzQqHB

— Ken Burns (@KenBurns) August 6, 2024

Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis, who thanked the president for his “leadership, grace under pressure, strength and resilience” after he withdrew from the race, shared a picture of Harris and Walz, with the tagline: “LET’S GO AMERICA!” The same image was also shared by fellow Oscar winner Julianne Moore who wrote: “This is such exciting news! I cannot wait to vote for this ticket.”

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A post shared by Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

Wonder Woman actor Lynda Carter referred to Walz as “a champion who understands America” while Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph called him “an honest, forthright family man with morals and true values”.

In a statement announcing Walz as her choice, Harris wrote: “As a governor, a coach, a teacher and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his," while posting a picture of the Democratic nominees embracing with the caption: "Let's get to work.”