Kamala Harris, Tim Walz hold rally in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (FOX 9) - Hours after Vice President Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate in her bid for president, the pair held a rally in Philadelphia. 

The rally is the first of several events the Harris campaign has scheduled in battleground states. On Wednesday, they'll head to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for a campaign rally. The Philadelphia rally was the first time Walz spoke publicly after being named to the Harris ticket. 

READ MORE: Who is Tim Walz? 

What they're saying

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was on the shortlist to be Harris' running mate, called Walz a "great man" before he introduced Harris and Walz at their first rally together in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Aug. 6. When the crowd started shouting "he's a weirdo" in reference to what Walz called former President Donald Trump's running mate JD Vance, Shapiro said Walz started the viral phrase in his beautiful Midwestern way.

Harris introduced Walz, detailing his background as a coach, teacher, Congressman, member of the Army National Guard, and governor of Minnesota, as well as his accomplishments as a politician. 

"With his experience, I'm telling you, Tim Walz will be ready on Day 1," Harris said, before taking a shot at Vance's resume, saying it's like a match up "between the varsity team and the JV squad."

READ MORE: Harris, Walz hold 1st rally together in Philadelphia

Harris said while they grew up in different areas of the country, their values are the same and they will run a campaign and govern on behalf of all Americans. 

"After all, the promise of America is what makes it possible for two middle-class kids to make it all the way to the White House," Harris said. 

Walz began his remarks by thanking Harris for selecting him, saying "Thank you for bringing back the joy!"

Following a shoutout to Gov. Josh Shapiro, Walz praised his wife, a 29-year public school teacher, plugging a key constituency, "Don’t ever underestimate teachers." Walz's wife was also a teacher. 

He also spoke about West Point, Nebraska, the "small town of 400" where grew up and "the summers working on the family farm."

"My mom and dad taught us to show generosity towards our neighbors and work for a common good," Walz said.

Walz also touted his ability to work toward bipartisan solutions, saying "I learned the art of compromise without compromising my values." Walz represented Minnesota's First Congressional District for more than a decade before becoming Minnesota's governor. 

Walz said this election is about what direction the country is going in, adding Donald Trump would take the U.S. backward. 

Tim Walz picked as Kamala Harris’ running mate

Harris announced Walz as her running mate Tuesday morning. In a statement, she said, "I am proud to announce that I’ve asked Gov. Tim Walz to be my running mate. One of the things that stood out to me about Tim is how his convictions on fighting for middle-class families run deep. It's personal. As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he's delivered for working families like his own. We are going to build a great partnership. We start out as underdogs but I believe together, we can win this election."

Walz stated on X, "It is the honor of a lifetime to join Kamala Harris in this campaign. I’m all in. Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school. So, let’s get this done, folks! Join us."