The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. President Biden had a bad debate performance, which made everyone suddenly "concerned" about his physical and mental health (and - more importantly to them - the impact on the presidential race as well as down-ticket races). Then Marmalade Palpatine got nicked in the ear from a supposed assassins AR-15 (no real damage, it seems). Then President Biden DID drop out of the race, and annointed Veep Kamala Harris as his succesor.

That last part did two things:
1) It took the cameras away from the Orange Menace, something that goes to his core
2) She re-invigorated the race. Suddenly, there was a LOT of enthusiasm, even from moderates and the undecideds.

Earlier this week, she announced her veep pick: Minnesota Guv Tim Walz. He's likely someone that most Dems and/or "non-political" people knew little about. The plusses, however, are extraordinary:

• He served 24 years in the National Guard, rising to the rank of Command Sargent Major.


• He actually has a college degree in Social Science


• He taught English in China (which means he speaks some Chinese)


• He champions veterans' and women's issues


• He was a high-school football coach, leading a then-losing team to the state championship.


• While he was a teacher, he created a gay/straight alliance for the students after seeing gay kids being bullied


• He's a hunter, but he's also an advocate for ending gun violence.

I am sure there are other qualities I've failed to mention. He apparently has good speechwriters as well.