Momentum and "Minnesota Nice"

Governor Tim Walz brings both!

Hello, Friend.

Thank you for being here!

First of all, I want to say how appreciative I am for all the likes, comments, and restacks of my previous article, “America Is Smiling Again”. At this point, it’s my most-read article on Substack, by far. I’m happy it struck a chord with those who read it.

Surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly, I was also reprimanded by a few for stepping out of my lane by writing a political post. Admittedly, it stings a little when folks voice disappointment in what you write and subsequently, unsubscribe. (I get over it pretty quickly these days.)

This always makes me wonder and want to ask, do you only read and follow folks you agree with politically?

And my fellow writers, do have a “lane” you generally stay in with your writings?

Let me know in the comments.

Today’s article is a follow-up. It’s another one of those posts that had to be written. Lane assignments, be dammed.

So again, thank you for being here. Can’t wait to get your reaction to Kamala Harris’ VP pick!

So, be sure to let me know that in the comments, too.

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Momentum and “Minnesota Nice”

NOTE: This post was updated to properly show the newly adopted MN state flag in the above featured image. (I love it, don’t you?)

Before VP Harris chose who she wanted as her running mate, there was, of course, a lot of speculation going on as to who she should pick. Political pundits were advising and opining on who they thought might be the best choice.

It seemed like most pundits favored Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Made sense. After all, Dems need Pennsylvania. He’s more well known. A bigger name. Not from the Mid West. The safer pick.

(To be clear, all the potential picks that were discussed would’ve made fine picks. None of the others would’ve resulted in me writing an article about them, though!)

It seemed like Governor Tim Walz was not who most pundits wanted, or expected to be picked. He was the dark horse. Not as well known. Perhaps too quirky, too progressive, too plain spoken, too risky, too down-to-earth, and maybe just too darn ordinary.

Besides, Minnesota will likely vote democratic, with or without Walz. So, what would adding him really bring to the ticket?

Turns out, plenty!

I was hopeful, but pretty sure those pundits would be right. After all, what do I know?

So, imagine my surprise and delight when VP Harris did choose Tim Walz!

Woohoo!

I respect Kamala Harris even more for choosing the person she wanted — not the person others thought she should pick.

This in itself says a lot about her, don’t you think?

Okay, so why am I so pleased with this pick?

First of all, I grew up in Minnesota, and although I no longer live there, I still consider myself a Minnesotan. I always will. I guess it’s a Minnesota roots/pride thing.

Secondly, as a daughter of educators and being one myself as well, I love that Tim Walz taught high school social studies and was also a football coach and faculty advisor of Mankato West High School's first gay–straight alliance. We are both big supporters of public schools. (Republicans are not.)

Oh, and Walz and I are both proud alumni of Minnesota State University, Mankato. So, there’s that.

I also admire the governor’s military service and respect that he also chose to run for congress and ended up winning and serving from 2007-2019. I’m not surprised he ran for, and won, the governorship of Minnesota. As far as I know, he’s a popular governor in Minnesota. I also respect him for sharing his personal story regarding how he and his wife struggled to have children.

How many men are willing to open up and share about that?

I love how Walz owns and defends his record as governor. For example, his comments about being such a monster for feeding kids so they have full bellies and can then learn better was priceless. (I’m paraphrasing.) He owns his handling of the 2020 Minneapolis unrest following George Flyod’s murder.

Other things I appreciate about him are his outstanding communication skills, ability to connect with every-day folks, compassion, kindness, enthusiasm, energy, and genuineness.

People like Tim Walz. There’s a reason for that.

Tim Walz embodies “Minnesota nice” — yes, that’s a thing — real or not.

And momentum — Walz has certainly added more of that! When VP Harris and Walz hold rallies, you can see the energy and excitement. You can hear it.

Mostly, you can feel it.

And that, my friends, is what momentum is all about. It might be an intangible thing, but nonetheless, you feel it.

Sure, I fully realize there’s still a fair amount of time before election day. I know the momentum will likely slow. Yet unknown challenges and surprises will arise.

But, like so many others, I feel excited and hopeful about America’s future. I, too, am feeling the joy in following politics again. It’s been awhile since we’ve felt that, right?

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz look refreshingly happy out there while campaigning and talking to people.

Does the other side’s guy at the top of the ticket look happy — ever?

Harris and Walz smile and laugh, while spreading joy, optimism, and hope.

(Again, does the other side do that — at all?)

And, I absolutely love how VP Harris ends her stump speeches with this question:

What kind of country do we want to live in — a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law or a country of chaos, fear, and hate?

Perhaps the choice comes down to a simple question like that.

Together, Harris and Walz make an uplifting, relatable, likeable, and yes, winning (hopefully) duo.

Usually, we hear it said that voters don’t care much about who's in the VP slot when they cast their votes. That might be true most cycles. This time, I think it just might matter a whole lot more. And that’s because of Governor Tim Walz.

Finally, I’m hopeful again that I just might get to see a woman in the White House in my lifetime after all. (Fingers crossed.)

Just one more reason I’m even more excited about this ticket now.

What about YOU?

(No, you don’t have to agree with me.)

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How do you feel about Harris choosing Gov Tim Walz as her running mate? Had you ever heard of him before?

When you vote, do you care a lot about who the VP candidate is, a little bit, or not at all?

Are you feeling more hopeful about America’s future? Why or why not?

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Sharing a couple photos of two of my favorite MN destinations.

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, MN

Lake Superior at Tofte, MN

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If you liked this post, thank you for sharing it!

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Visit my website to learn more about my writing and my three books.

Thank you for being here with me. I appreciate you.

As always, I see you. I hear you, and I care about what you have to say. I value your opinion and invite you to share it.

Have a good rest of your week and beyond.

Until next time… (Just so you know, I plan to step out of the political lane next time.)

With gratitude,

Nancy