Political Science Professor Available for Interviews
08/06/2024
Media Contacts: Emily Gowdey-Backus or Nancy Cicco.
Tuesday morning Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate in the 2024 presidential election – a “brilliantly dull” pick according to political science Associate Professor John Cluverius.
“A presidential candidate should always be cautious when choosing a running mate,” he said. “In this person, Harris needed to avoid splitting the Democratic party over labor issues and the Israel-Hamas war. A governor who passed progressive legislation, Walz has the support of most of the party’s insurgent left while his policies and demeanor appeal to the party’s establishment.”
Cluverius listed some of the accomplishments Walz won during his time in office – including paid family leave and free school meals – but emphasized the importance of a middle-of-the-road personality.
“In a vice president, you want to pick someone as unifying and boring as possible,” said Cluverius. “It’s smart for Harris to pick someone who isn’t going to offend and Walz is brilliantly dull.”
To arrange an interview with Cluverius, contact Emily Gowdey-Backus or Nancy Cicco.