Tim Walz is chosen by Harris to be his running companion.

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The choice, which Harris personally made to Walz over a video conference, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, completes the Midwestern Democrat's brief but quick rise from relative unknown to a key figure in the party's criticism of the outgoing president and the MAGA program.

After the fastest-moving vice presidential search in modern history, Walz beat out six Democratic contenders, including Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania. On Sunday, the vice president conducted in-person interviews with Kelly, Shapiro, and Walz.

Although there was no connection between Harris and Walz in their prior relationship, aides said Harris became more and more impressed with the way Walz truly conducted himself during their final encounter on Sunday at her home at the Naval Observatory. According to a source close to the proceedings, Harris was struck "by his authenticity." In their first joint appearance together, on Tuesday at a rally in Philadelphia, Walz played the part of Harris's attack dog and a folksy Midwestern everyman.

As he took the podium, he thanked Harris for "bringing back the joy" and expressed his excitement about "being on this journey" with her and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. "There are 91 days left. Walz remarked to the assembly, "We'll sleep when we're dead." "I'll have Vice President Harris' back every day for those 91 days, and we'll have yours as well, throughout every day in the White House."

According to Harris and her vetting team, Walz went from being a third-tier candidate to a final finalist in an astonishing two-week timeframe. Support for him came from both moderate and leftist factions within the Democratic Party. One veteran Democratic operator who has supported Walz since the day President Joe Biden resigned said, "He talks and looks like a lot of the voters we've lost to Trump." Walz went with Harris in March when she visited an abortion clinic, making history as the first vice president to do so while in office. According to a person close to Walz, the visit had a "big impact," as did Harris' time spent with the governor during his reelection campaign in 2022. "The chemistry had a crucial role in