Tim Walz Has A Pro-Israel Past, But Anti-War Voters Still Cautiously Optimistic

Vice President Kamala Harris officially announced her running mate on Tuesday: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a progressive Midwesterner that has already won the hearts of many Democratic voters.

But Walz’s past stances on issues considered to be significant this election cycle have not always leaned progressive. And with Israel’s U.S.-funded military offensive in Gaza entering its 10th month, Americans critical of the Biden administration’s unconditional support are pressing the Harris campaign to be forceful in her opposition of the Israeli government if she wants their votes. So far, she’s listening.

“I think she’s shown there’s this willingness to shift. It’s a truncated timeline, so they obviously have to move very, very quickly. But I think it’s on her to call us in, to have these conversations, and to also publicly begin talking about these policy shifts,” Democratic strategist Rania Batrice told HuffPost on Tuesday. “Obviously, that’s what we’re all looking for. It’s what we’re all hoping for. But the only person who can do that is the vice president herself.”

Like most mainstream Democrats, Walz has generally been supportive of Israel throughout his political career. As a congressman, he voted in favor of sending billions in unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel, and voted on a resolution that condemned the United Nations for deciding that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are illegal. He also went on a diplomatic trip to the Middle East, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Walz has also attended conferences held by AIPAC, a wildly influential lobbying group that gives large sums of money to help elect pro-Israel candidates in the U.S. to political office. The governor also