The whirlwind presidential candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris took somewhat of a shift with her recent selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.
While Harris hasn’t really articulated yet what her platform is going to be, the record of Walz as governor could be troublesome to Republicans already concerned about Harris’ liberal leanings, but who don’t want to vote for Donald Trump and might be considering choosing the Democratic ticket this time around.
Traditional Republicans could be concerned about the Harris-Walz ticket because it signals a decisive shift towards more liberal economic policies that could dramatically reshape the American economy and society.
Kamala Harris’ choice of Walz as her running mate underscores a commitment to an economic agenda that prioritizes government intervention and regulation over free-market principles. That’s been a hard line in the sand for many conservative voters, even those not enamored with Trump or his policies.
Walz implemented policies like free school meals, expanded paid leave and aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals in Minnesota, which reflects a broader progressive vision than many conservatives may be comfortable with.
The core of progressivism is the belief that markets, while powerful, require public intervention to function equitably. This stands in stark contrast to the conservative belief in free-market capitalism, where they believe minimal government interference allows for innovation, economic growth and individual freedom.
Conservatives believe progressive policies undermine the work ethic, stifle innovation and could slow down economic growth. The inflationary risks associated with many big government mandates could lead to higher prices and reduced availability of services, exacerbating economic challenges rather than alleviating them.
The Harris-Walz ticket represents a possible expansion of the Biden administration’s economic policies, which have been criticized for contributing to high levels of debt and inflation. The choice of Walz, a self-proclaimed champion of progressive values, signals a commitment to policies that may further alienate the business community and exacerbate economic instability.
Walz has achieved some successes in Minnesota, such as reducing unemployment and growing incomes, but the state’s overall economic growth has lagged behind the national average. This raises legitimate questions about the viability of implementing similar policies on a national scale.
In order to consider voting for Harris, Republican and Independent never-Trumpers are going to look for her and her running mate to strike a reasonable balance between maintaining their progressive agenda while addressing the concerns of moderate and conservative voters who are disillusioned with the direction of the Republican Party under Donald Trump.
The Harris-Walz ticket must make a compelling case that they represent a clear and positive alternative to Trumpism, not just in terms of character and leadership, but also of policy. They will have to demonstrate many contrasts with the populist and authoritarian tendencies associated with Trump that many voters do not like.
Many voters are looking for practical solutions to real-world problems, not just ideological hyperbole. The Harris-Walz ticket will have to emphasize pragmatic, results-oriented policies rather than ideological purity. This approach could involve highlighting their commitment to solving real-world problems—such as infrastructure improvements, economic recovery and public health—using a mix of public and private sector solutions.
The overall electorate may be more open to some progressive ideals; however, too much focus on government intervention, regulatory expansion and social welfare programs that contrast sharply with conservative principles could make Harris’ road to the White House even harder than it already is.
Cindy Allen 