Minnesota Governor Tim Walz isn’t talking much to Vice President Kamala Harris these days.
The governor and his former running mate have spoken only “a couple of times” since November’s election, Walz told The New Yorker’s David Remnick in an interview published Sunday.
When asked why the couple didn’t call or text more frequently, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee joked to Remnick, “Well, maybe she doesn’t want to talk to me after we got this thing done.” He added that they left in a “good place” and that his daughter Hope missed her a lot.
Why This Matters
Walz and Harris ran on the Democratic ticket together last year. Weeks after becoming the presidential nominee following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, Harris named Walz as her running mate in August. Walz, who was viewed as a more progressive candidate for vice president, frequently appeared alongside Harris at rallies.
Harris has been mentioned as a possible candidate for California governor, while Walz is being considered as a presidential candidate in 2028.
What to Know
Walz described his relationship with Harris as “professional,” noting that he and the California Democrat were on opposite sides of the country, each dealing with their own political realities. Walz has continued to serve as Minnesota’s governor since the Democrats’ election loss, while Harris returned to California after leaving the White House last month.
“I’m doing my job, and she’s doing her job, and she’s out in California, I believe, living, and I’m here in beautiful Minnesota, where the weather’s always great,” Walz told the audience.
The governor also stated that “there’ll be a time and a place” for the two to speak again, and that his family “misses” Harris.
“My daughter, especially,” he said.
During the interview, Walz suggested that Biden’s earlier exit would not have affected the election’s outcome.
“Was there anyone else out there?” he asked. “I believe we continue to look for a charismatic leader who will emerge and lead us out of this. I don’t think it works like that. I believe that as a party, we simply need to improve our communication skills.
What People Are Saying
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz told The New Yorker, “It was clear that [former Vice President Kamala Harris] was at the top of the ticket, and my job was to support her.” She inspired me. I believe America was unaware of many details about her. When I found out she was a band kid, I was like, “Why aren’t we running ads about that?”
Kamala Harris, former vice president, stated in her 2024 concession speech: “The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, fought for, or voted for. But believe me when I say that the light of America’s promise will continue to shine as long as we never give up and keep fighting.
I love you, Doug, and our family so much. Thank you, President and Dr. Biden, for your faith and support. I am confident that Governor Walz and the Walz family will continue to serve our nation.”
What’s Next
Although Walz ruled out returning to Congress, telling Remnick that he’d rather “eat glass” than return to the Capitol, the governor would “certainly consider” running for president if he believed he could “offer something.”
“I’ve always said this: I didn’t prepare my life to be in these jobs, but my life prepared me well,” Walz told reporters. “And, if this experience and what we’re going through right now prepares me for that, then I will.
However, I am concerned about people who want to run for office. I don’t think you should be ambitious. If you are asked to serve, I believe you should be motivated to do so. And that’s kind of where I am.”
