In a surprising, but not unexpected, move, Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming election. The decision solidifies the most liberal slate of candidates in American history, a pairing that prioritizes radical progressive policies over the needs of ordinary Americans. The pair represent a vision of America that puts it at the bottom of the heap, further eroding the values ​​and security that make our country strong.

Walz's record in Minnesota is a stark warning of what could happen if this candidate wins the top job. One of his most controversial policies is Issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants“This decision not only undermines the rule of law, but it also puts public safety at risk by allowing individuals who may not have been properly vetted to operate vehicles on our roads. It sends a clear message that breaking the law will pay and is a dangerous precedent for a country built on respect for our legal system.

Governor Walz's response to Black Lives Matter (BLM) riots during the tumultuous summer of 2020 was ineffective at best. As cities burned and businesses were destroyed, Governor Walz stood by and failed to take decisive action to restore order and protect the lives of Minnesotans. His lack of leadership during this crisis exposed the Governor's inability to prioritize the safety and well-being of his citizens over political correctness and appeasement of radical activists.

Add to the list of problematic policies Walz's stance on transgender issues and gender ideology, especially as it pertains to children. Under his leadership, Minnesota has become a haven for radical gender ideology, pushing policies that allow minors to undergo life-altering medical procedures without parental consent. This policy not only ignores parental rights, it also endangers the well-being of vulnerable children. And if parents object, Walz will work to get them to lose custody of their children. Encouraging irreversible medical intervention based on fleeting feelings is reckless and irresponsible, but it is also a cornerstone of Walz's progressive vision.

Along with Vice President Kamala Harris, this combination represents a dangerous shift toward an administration that prioritizes ideological purity over practical solutions. Harris's track record is of concern as well. As Vice President and “border czar,” she was notably absent from responding to the crisis on the southern border, which has been exacerbated by the Biden-Harris Administration's open border policies. The influx of illegal immigrants, combined with a lack of law enforcement, is straining our resources and threatening our national security. The combination of Harris and Walz's open border policies will only exacerbate this crisis and put Americans at risk.

This is not the leadership America needs. What we need is a leader who puts America first and prioritizes the safety, security, and prosperity of our people over radical policies. The Harris-Waltz pairing clearly demonstrates that the Democratic Party is willing to sacrifice the well-being of the American people for progressive ideals that have consistently failed to deliver.

The policies this candidate promotes will not lead to the “better future” they promise. Instead, they will lead us down a path of economic instability, social division, and the curtailment of freedom. We need to return to a time when common sense and practical solutions guide governance, where the rule of law is respected, and opportunity for all Americans is prioritized.

Americans should want leaders who respect our nation's fundamental principles, uphold law and order, and foster an environment in which all Americans can thrive. Now is the time for a new direction that will put America back on the path to prosperity and security. The stakes have never been higher. Let's elect leaders who put America first and ensure a brighter future for future generations.

Jorge Martinez is a public affairs strategist for conservative organizations and a former spokesman for the U.S. Department of Justice.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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