Walz is Everything McMaster Isn’t

Not pictured: hungry students in SC public schools

I am not a person with many hobbies. Hope-scrolling is quickly becoming one of them. Waking up to the news of Tim Walz yesterday, the Democratic Governor of Minnesota being named Kamala Harris’ running mate has me practically giddy. His background as a school teacher, member of the National Guard, and dad who loves the State Fair is equal parts commendable, inspiring, and relatable. But it is his record as an unapologetic pro-child Governor that is making me feel more hopeful than I have felt in…I don’t know how long. 

In the wake of the Kamala phenomenon, I didn’t know it was possible for the vibes to get better. But here we are. The vibes are even better than they were two days ago. How can that possibly be? Why is the Walz choice inspiring such a strong reaction in me? And by strong I mean STRONG. I texted my friend and fellow pediatrician Dr. Michael O’Brien: “I feel like we were born for this moment.” He immediately responded: “SAME. This is our NOW.” As child health advocates, to see a former teacher and unapologetic champion for children join the already incredibly strong Harris ticket feels almost too good to be true. The now-viral picture of Walz signing the free school lunch bill is saved on my phone as a “favorite” because I am going to post it infinity times between now and Election Day. I went for a run and tried to do some introspection. Why am I reacting to the news this way? Why am I getting chills reading about this man and his record? And then it hit me.