O’Rourke ‘Surprised’ by Walz’s Selection as Harris’s Running Mate

Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke from Texas expressed his enthusiastic support for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate. However, he admitted he was “really surprised” that Walz was even considered for the national ticket.

During an appearance on MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki,” O’Rourke remarked, “I was actually really surprised that he was in contention to be nominated for vice president of the United States and surprised that he got picked, only because it is so rare that someone who is so genuinely kind and nice and isn’t a blowhard and a grandstander and a self-promoter ever reaches these levels of political attainment in this country.”

He went on to highlight Walz’s unique character, stating, “He’s just that rare person, who’s just truly a good guy, who’s gotten ahead by getting the job done.”

O’Rourke and Walz served together in the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. O’Rourke had also competed in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary alongside Harris.

Commenting on Walz’s accomplishments as the governor of Minnesota, O’Rourke said, “He’s made sure that kids can learn on a full belly,” referring to initiatives that ensure nutritional support for children. He also mentioned Walz’s role in decriminalizing marijuana, stating, “We’re not putting people behind bars for something that’s legal in most of the rest of the country.”

In a prior interview, O’Rourke praised the campaign strategies of both Harris and Walz. He told MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace, “Instead of hatred, there is hope,” reflecting on the positive messaging of the Democratic ticket.

O’Rourke expressed pride in the candidates for surpassing the negativity often seen in political arenas, saying they are “finding this moment, and getting kind of past the stuff that gets cooked up in political laboratories, or the corporate side of our politics.”

Walz was selected over other potential candidates, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona, to be Harris’s running mate after President Biden decided to exit the presidential race.

Before entering the political scene, the Minnesota governor had a notable background. He is a 24-year veteran of the National Guard and has experience as a high school teacher and football coach. This diverse background has shaped his approach to governance.