MNI POLITICAL RISK - Harris Chooses 'Safe' Walz As VP

Executive Summary:

• Democratic Party presidential nominee Kamala Harris yesterday selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) as her vice-presidential running mate, bucking much of the party establishment who saw Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D-PA) as the more astute selection.
• Walz appeals to progressives as a governor who has enacted liberal policies but his bipartisan Congressional record shows why centrist Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), as well as progressives like Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), have lined up behind him.
• Walz offers few significant downside risks, but likely has lower upside potential than Shapiro. Some pundits may be overstating the level of Walz’s cross-border midwestern appeal, considering Minnesota is more liberal than other Rust Belt states and Walz's electoral record doesn't reveal significant traction with blue-collar voters.
• Rep Ritchie Torres (D-NY) sent a letter to Fed Chair Jay Powell calling on the central bank to “immediately” cut interest rates.
• The progressive Democrat 'Squad' has lost another member of Congress.
• Former President Donald Trump said he will debate Kamala Harris in the “near future.”
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that the US, “will continue to defend Israel against attacks from terrorist groups or their sponsors.”
• Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo called on the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks to, “spend at least 20% of their net income on affordable housing..."
• China agreed to impose controls on three precursor chemicals used in the production of Fentanyl for the first time in six years.
• Poll of the Day: Harris has built a 51%-48% lead over Trump.

Please find the full article attached below:

MNIPOLRISKUSDaily070824.pdf