Vice President Kamala Harris's selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election has been met with significant media backlash.

The choice of Walz has generated both concern and criticism, raising questions about Harris's political judgment, even among members of her own party, as Fox News reports.

Harris, the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, bypassed the anticipated choice, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was widely considered a top contender for the vice-presidential spot.

The expectation was that Shapiro, a well-regarded governor from a battleground state, would bolster her ticket's chances.

Harris's Surprising Pick Draws Media Attention

The decision to choose Walz has not been without controversy. Critics on the conservative end have been vocal about Walz's handling of critical events during his tenure, such as the Minneapolis riots in 2020 and his approach to COVID-19 restrictions.

During the pandemic, Walz implemented a memorandum mandating indoor masking and established a hotline for residents to report violations of COVID-19 mandates.

Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle expressed her concerns, stating, "My fears about Harris are that she is incredibly bad at public speaking, and that she reliably makes bad political decisions. So far, she has done nothing to allay either fear. I’m not saying she can’t win, but I wish she gave me more confidence."

Politicians and Pundits Weigh In

Other political commentators have also shared their thoughts on the selection. Author Matt Lewis noted, "If you were a Never Trump conservative who was hoping to rationalize a vote for the Dem ticket (a short-term alliance), it just got harder."

This sentiment was echoed by conservative figures who believe Walz's past decisions during times of crisis could be a liability.

Damon Linker, a professor and podcaster, pointed out what he sees as a missed opportunity: "Rather than pick the very popular governor of a neck-and-neck must-win purple state, Harris chose a dime-a-dozen blue-state governor who gives feels to progressives. That's about what I'd have expected from her a month ago."

Additional Criticisms and Concerns

Former CNN pundit Chris Cillizza was candid in his remark, labeling the choice as "Such a weird choice." The unexpected nature of Harris's decision has left some analysts and political insiders puzzled, questioning the strategic implications.

On the liberal side, reactions were also mixed. Michael Rapaport, an actor known for his outspoken views, criticized Shapiro's exclusion with a charged comment: "Yo Josh Shapiro UNJEWED himself publicly & still didn’t get picked." This comment has stirred its own set of controversies but underscores the emotional reactions from various factions within the Democratic Party.

Examining Walz's Track Record

Reason senior editor Robby Soave considered the comparison between Harris and Walz, suggesting that "Incredibly, between Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, Kamala might actually be the less radical of the two." This comparison highlights the perception that Walz's policies might alienate moderate voters.

Comedian Tim Young referenced the Minneapolis riots, asserting, "Last time Kamala and Tim Walz teamed up: He let rioters burn Minneapolis to the ground... and she fundraised to bail them out." This comment reflects concerns about Walz's crisis management and its potential impact on the campaign.

Reflecting on the Political Landscape

Reporter Eli Lake commented on the broader implications of the decision, stating, "it’s a signal to the flag burners and Hamas lovers that they still have a seat at the table."

Meghan McCain, a prominent conservative voice, succinctly remarked, "Trump and Republicans got lucky with the Walz pick," suggesting that the decision could benefit the opposing camp.

As the political landscape continues to shift, Harris's choice of Walz as her running mate will remain under scrutiny.

The reactions from different segments of the media and political sphere reflect the complex dynamics at play and the high stakes of the upcoming election.