6 globally things to know about Tim Walz

Harris' VP pick is an enigma on foreign policy, but there are some clues to where he stands

We are still learning about Kamala Harris' VP pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, because, let’s face it, he is far from a household name. I like the free school lunches for Minnesota students. And he did name a highway after Prince, who was a Minnesota native.

On foreign policy, Walz is even more of an enigma. His past experience does suggest where he stands on some key foreign policy issues, which fall pretty much in line with the Democratic Party base. Here are some clues:

1. Supports Israel but advocates for aid to Gaza

Walz strongly condemned the October 7 Hamas attacks and expressed unwavering support for Israel's right to exist and defend itself, emphasizing the need for moral clarity in response to the violence. After October 7, Walz ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff and criticized those who did not condemn the attack. "If you did not find moral clarity on Saturday morning, and you find yourself waiting to think about what you needed to say, you need to reevaluate where you’re at."

Despite his firm support for Israel and tough stance against Hamas, Walz advocates for humanitarian aid to Gaza, recognizing that most Palestinians are not Hamas and deserve compassion and assistance. He praised President Biden’s efforts to secure humanitarian aid for Gazans, stressing that the Palestinian people should not be collectively punished for Hamas's actions. He has called for a ceasefire and is committed to a two-state solution.

He has a history of engagement in the region, having traveled to Israel and the Palestinian territories in 2009 and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also spoke at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference in 2010 and voted to allocate foreign aid to Israel during his time in Congress.

As governor, Walz has expressed concerns about pro-Palestinian protests at U.S. universities, emphasizing that Jewish students must feel safe while supporting the right to free expression for all students. Earlier this year, he faced protests over his state’s pension funds investments in Israel bonds.

He defended his state’s progressive voters who cast “uncomitted” in the Democratic primaries this spring, praising their civic engagement even when they oppose Biden’s support for Israel.

2. Familiar but tough on China

Tim Walz has a unique history with China. He taught in Guangdong province in the late 1980s, post-Tiananmen Square, and along with his wife, has set up student exchange programs there. He speaks Mandarin.

Despite his early interactions, Walz hasn’t been shy about criticizing Beijing. He served on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, advocating for human rights, and met with the Dalai Lama. His experiences could make him an asset in diplomatic engagements, offering a blend of firsthand cultural insight and a firm stance on human rights.

CREDIT: Tim Walz on X

3. Mixed bag on immigration

Walz’s policies reflect a balance between national security and the economic and cultural benefits of immigration. He supports a path to citizenship for Dreamers and essential workers, as well as driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants, while also pushing for the safety and security of communities. He’s flipped from his earlier, stricter stance on refugee screening to a more inclusive approach, recognizing the moral and economic contributions of immigrants.

4. Stands with Ukraine

Walz is a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, aligning closely with current U.S. policies to support Ukraine’s sovereignty. He backed legislation to cut Minnesota’s investments in Russia and Belarus post-invasion, aligning with broader U.S. sanctions. His commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty signals a broader appreciation for democracy, international human rights, and a rules-based order.

5. Veteran and war critic

Walz’s 24-year service in the Army National Guard, including overseas deployments post-9/11, shapes his cautious approach to military intervention, prioritizing strategy and clear objectives. During his time in Congress, he served on the House Armed Services Committee and was a vocal critic of the Iraq War. In his 2006 campaign, he ran on an anti-Iraq war platform and voted in 2007 to withdraw U.S. forces from the country within 90 days. Despite his opposition, he broke ranks with most Democrats by voting for supplemental war funding in 2007 and expressed caution about setting a withdrawal timeline based on politics rather than conditions on the ground.

In 2013, Walz opposed military action in Syria, breaking with the Obama administration over the “red line” incident. He also supported the Iran nuclear deal, seeing it as the best shot to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. By 2017, he was an early co-sponsor of one of the first House war powers resolutions, directing the president to remove U.S. forces from involvement in the Saudi coalition war on Yemen.

However, Walz initially expressed cautious optimism about the 2011 intervention in Libya, emphasizing that the engagement should be narrow, well-defined, and have a clear exit strategy. While generally skeptical of military intervention, Walz has not opposed it in every instance.

6. Pro-labor, tough on trade:

Walz has a history of voting against trade agreements, indicating that the Democratic ticket is likely to maintain the Biden administration's "worker-centered" trade policy, prioritizing labor and environmental standards over commercial interests.

In Congress, Walz voted against a free trade deal with Peru in 2007 and opposed agreements with Panama and Colombia. However, he broke this pattern by supporting a deal with South Korea in 2011. In 2015, he joined the majority of House Democrats in opposing legislation that would have facilitated former President Barack Obama’s efforts to finalize the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement among 12 Pacific Rim economies.

“We need a trade deal that’s fair, that restricts currency manipulation, promotes ‘Made in America’ manufacturing, and opens foreign markets,” Walz stated, rejecting Obama’s trade promotion authority legislation.

As governor of the fourth largest agricultural exporting state, Walz has recognized the importance of trade. He pledged to expand agricultural markets during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign and, in 2019, emphasized the need for stable trade relations with China for Minnesota’s farmers during a delegation visit to Japan and South Korea. He was scheduled to lead a trade mission of business leaders from Minnesota to the Netherlands and Ireland this November (though he may have to reschedule!).

Tim Walz’s foreign policy chops may not be evident as his running mate’s, but his diverse blend of military service, congressional experience, and gubernatorial pragmatism give him as much as a running start as Harris did when she became Veep.

We will have more to come on the Harris-Walz foreign policy platform in the lead-up to the convention.