Vibes and jibes - why Harris picked Walz as running mate

His style may prove more effective at convincing undecided voters than the dark rhetoric of the Biden campaign, writes Anthony Zurcher.

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It spoke to the enthusiastic response from the Philadelphia crowd, but also reflected the unlikely journey that the Minnesota governor has been on over the past week.

Few people had Mr Walz on their early lists of possible vice-presidential choices. But on Tuesday, the dark horse won the race.

In a year when "vibes" have been everything in politics - on the economy, on the campaign trail - that is exactly what Kamala Harris has gone for: good vibes.

The Minnesota governor has a "midwestern nice" appeal, even when he is throwing political punches. His background - a teacher, a football coach, an Army National Guard enlisted soldier - broadcasts "meat-and-potatoes middle America", as does perhaps his balding, rotund, slightly dishevelled appearance.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jlldpzl7go

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