Last week, Vice President Kamala Harris announced that she has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate in her bid for the White House this November.

It’s no secret that the United States is deeply divided politically and has been that way for quite some time. The last decade has proven to be one of the most polarizing times in our countries history, rivaled only by the late-1960s in the past 100 years.

While the most hardcore Trump supporters won’t be swayed by anything on the Democratic ticket, Gov. Walz brings an interesting dynamic to the Harris ticket.

Vice President Harris has seen a surge in popularity since President Biden announced last month that he will no longer be seeking a second term in the White House, largely due to a disastarous performance in his debate with former President Donald Trump in June.

While this increase in popularity largely has to do with a contrast with Biden, there are still large parts of the population which has reservations about Harris, who is from California.

The Upper Peninsula is firmly Midwestern, not only geographically but culturally as well. Even in the more left-leaning areas of the U.P. like Marquette, topics like gun ownership and hunting are still very important.

That is why the pick of Gov. Walz is seemingly a big positive for the Harris campaign.

Much has been made of Walz’ military service, football coaching background and folksy charm. Walz is an effective communicator to those of us in rural America.

Harris, whether you like her, hate her or hold no strong opinion either way, lacks the “everyman” quality that those on the Democratic side of the aisle seem to have struggled with in recent years.

Walz on the other hand is a lifelong Midwesterner who has that “I’d have a beer with him” quality which appeals to those in areas like the Upper Peninsula.

You may strongly disagree with his political stances but few would be able to deny that Walz brings a new dynamic to the race for the White House that may attract voters which don’t care for Harris.