Thousands of people filled Temple University’s Liacouras Center to watch Vice President Kamala Harris introduce her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Harris noted she had just received her party’s nomination the evening before.
Both Harris and Walz attacked their Republican opponents, former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), saying they were too rich, in Trump’s case, and too weird, in Vance’s.
Harris got the loudest applause when she said she would protect a woman’s right to choose whether to have an abortion. Democrats have made abortion their top issue since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Harris highlighted the issue Tuesday night, as well as Walz’s record on the issue as Minnesota governor.
In 2023, Walz signed a bill into law establishing a “fundamental right” to abortion at any point throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy.
Before the rally began, several attendees expressed disappointment that Harris did not choose Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as her vice-presidential pick, but said they were willing to back Walz.
Philadelphia resident Sylvester Walker said he was “surprised and upset,” when he heard Tuesday morning Walz had gotten the nod instead of Shapiro. But he said he’s still supporting the ticket.
“It’s not what I want. It’s what she wants,” said Walker. “She’s young. Josh Shapiro is young. I’m from the South. You send out an old mule with a young mule. The Democrats are very smart.”
Cheltenham resident Jordyn Kelman said, “I think she made a smart decision not picking Shapiro. I don’t think the country is ready for a Black president and a Jewish vice president.”
Stacy St. Yves of Fort Washington said, “I like the policies of the last last four years. I want to keep that going, and I like her stands to protect women’s reproductive rights.”
As for Walz, St. Yves said, “He’s a great choice. I’m real excited about it.” She said she’s just learning about him and “I’m impressed.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker called for unity.
“They are going to use divide and conquer,” said Parker, warning the Democrats not to “take your eyes off the prize.” She also praised President Joe Biden who dropped his campaign in favor of Harris, while continuing to serve as president. “Trump’s a trickster,” said Parker. “Don’t forget we are Democrats. We are for the working class. We are for labor.”
Shapiro said Harris is “battle-tested and ready to go.” He got the crowd chanting, “We are not going back!”
“We’re not going into the future with Donald Trump,” Shapiro said, perhaps a poor choice of words given the former president was nearly assassinated in Pennsylvania just two weeks ago.
Shapiro also praised Walz as “a great man” and “a dear friend.”
He also appeared to address the fact that his name would not be appearing on the national ballot when he talked about his faith.
“My faith teaches me that no one, no one is required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it. That means that each of us has a responsibility to get off the sidelines, to get in the game, and to do our part.”
Before Harris took the podium, the song “My Girl” played.
She introduced Walz, a former teacher, who represented Minnesota in Congress before being elected its governor. Walz is a husband, father, and Army National Guard veteran, she said.
Walz taught social studies and coached the high school football team.
“Coach Walz motivated his players to believe they could achieve anything, and together, they surprised (their opponents), going from a winless record to the school’s first-ever state championship.”
When a student wanted to start a Gay Straight Alliance, Harris said, “Tim knew the signal it would send to have a football coach, so he signed up to be the group’s faculty advisor,” Harris said. “In the high school yearbook, the students voted Coach Walz ‘the most inspiring faculty member.’”
“After Roe was overturned, he was the first governor to sign a new law protecting reproductive freedom,” said Harris. She promised to pass a bill to restore “reproductive freedom.”
Although Walz is a hunter and “was one of Capitol Hill’s best marksmen,” he believes in “sensible gun safety,” Harris said. He expanded background checks and increased penalties for illegal firearm sales.
If she’s president “we’re finally going to pass universal background checks.”
Walz has executive experience and “will be ready on Day One,” she said.
“When you compare his resume with Trump’s running mate,” she said, calling it “a match-up between the varsity team and the JV quad.”
Walz, who has a folksy speaking style, called Shapiro “a treasure.”
“Everybody in America knows, when you need a bridge fixed, call that guy,” he quipped. “I couldn’t be prouder to be on this ticket to help Vice President Harris become the next president of the United States.”
He praised Harris’ career as a prosecutor and in the Senate.
He criticized Trump for “sowing chaos and division” and for having a criminal record.
The crowd chanted, “Lock him up, lock him up.”
Walz said when Republicans talk about freedom, “they mean the government should be free to invade your doctor’s office.”
India TV sent a team of three people to cover the rally. People in India are “very excited” about Harris’ campaign for president,” said reporter Dr. Sumita SenGupta. “They’re very excited that an Indian-origin person can have the opportunity to become president of the United States.” Harris’ mother immigrated from India and her father from Jamaica.
A Republican at the Vance rally in Philadelphia held earlier on Tuesday, believes Harris should have chosen Shapiro.
“I think she made a big mistake,” said Perry Petrongola, of South Philadelphia. “I guess the Obamas told her who to pick and she just followed suit.”
Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz attended the Harris-Walz rally.
“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz resonated deeply with the audience, embodying the values and aspirations shared by many Americans. They articulated a vision that includes the freedom to make personal healthcare decisions, fostering community unity, ensuring affordable childcare, prioritizing education, and making housing more accessible. Their discussions centered on the everyday challenges people face.
“While I initially hoped Gov. Shapiro would join the ticket as the vice-presidential candidate, I am confident that Tim Walz brings a valuable perspective to the team. He comprehends the struggles of our farmers and, as a gun owner, upholds the Second Amendment while advocating for sensible background checks. His diverse experience and pragmatic approach will undoubtedly strengthen the Democratic platform,” she said.
She said the “enthusiasm” was “electrifying.”
“Not since Obama have I witnessed such excitement among Democrats.”
