To the editor: On Tuesday, America learned Kamala Harris’s vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The Times also recently introduced its readers to Bill Baird, a 92-year-old reproductive rights activist. As an 86-year-old woman and staunch feminist, I now see the need to update my thinking about who is impeding progress.
Since the 1960s, Baird has been an outspoken advocate for reproductive rights. On Tuesday, when he and Vice President Harris appeared together in Philadelphia, Walz told the story of how he and his wife turned to in vitro fertilization to have their daughter Hope. He denounced Republicans’ insistence on controlling women’s medical choices, stating bluntly: “Mind your own business!”
Suddenly I was struck by the need to modify my belief that white men are hindering progress. I bet there are hundreds of thousands of them willing to refute this assumption.
I will add “white male ally” to my vocabulary. The election of Harris and Walz will further demonstrate that we can come together to overcome racial and gender divides.
Phyllis Owens, Chatsworth
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To the editor: Harris has chosen progressive Governor Walz as her running mate. Who knows, maybe Harris will look like a moderate next to him (I don't think so).
There is another surge in the euphoric momentum of Harris’s campaign. “Surge” is actually the correct term, and it may last a few weeks. The problem with momentum is that it cannot be sustained without a constant input of strength.
In the coming weeks, Harris’s momentum will be eroded. What does Walz stand for? It’s simple: he’s a very progressive liberal, but he’s a “nice guy.” Who cares?
What does Harris stand for? Well, that's anyone's guess for now. I think Harris is even more of a progressive liberal than Walz, but she won't be able to hide that forever.
That's when the Harris-Walz ticket will start to fade away.
Arthur Saginian, Santa Clarita
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To the editor: “What a normal guy,” I thought when I saw Walz make his first appearance as Harris’s running mate.
I had read some facts about him and was shocked to learn that he and his wife, Gwen, struggled with infertility for seven years before achieving a successful pregnancy through IVF. Although he ticks a lot of boxes that make him seem like a normal guy and an attractive choice for vice president, I was surprised that he shared this private, now public, information.
One thing is certain: coping with infertility requires perseverance, tenacity, and optimism. I know this from personal experience. You have my vote.
Susan Cross, Altadena
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To the editor: I respectfully disagree with columnist Mark Z. Barabak that the choice of running mate has no real bearing on whether a presidential candidate wins or loses.
I remember in 2008 I really wanted to vote for Republican John McCain, until he chose Sarah Palin as vice president, which ruined his campaign.
I think Barabak is very wrong about how damaging a bad choice for vice president can be. And I think Walz is the right choice for these times.
Laura Norris, San Diego
