Trump and Harris are using their vice-presidential candidates to engage in a battle over class issues.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, addressed a campaign rally alongside Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on August 6, 2024. Their appearance marked a strategic move by both parties to appeal to the average American voter, a tactic that has become increasingly significant in the current political landscape.

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have each chosen running mates with relatable, modest backgrounds to strengthen their appeal to middle and lower-income voters. Walz, a Democrat, and Republican Senator JD Vance of Ohio, both embody the working-class ethos that their respective campaigns hope to leverage.

During his first appearance on the Democratic ticket, Walz criticized Vance, portraying him as disconnected from the average American. Walz humorously noted Vance’s Yale education and his financial backing from Silicon Valley elites, contrasting it with his own middle-class upbringing in rural Nebraska. Vance, in response, defended his journey from a poor family to a successful career, framing it as the embodiment of the American dream.

The exchanges between Walz and Vance highlight their efforts to present themselves as more in touch with everyday Americans than their opponents. This approach is a familiar political strategy, especially in an era marked by significant economic inequality.

President Joe Biden, who endorsed Harris after withdrawing from the reelection race, had previously cultivated an image as “Middle Class Joe,” emphasizing his blue-collar roots. Harris, however, lacks a similar background, which could pose challenges in appealing to key voter demographics in swing states.

At the Philadelphia rally, Harris praised Walz’s military service and his career as a high school teacher and football coach before his political tenure. Walz, who was elected to Congress in 2006 and became Minnesota’s governor in 2019, contrasts sharply with Vance, who gained national attention with his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” and won a Senate seat in Ohio in 2022.

Both Walz and Vance are using their working-class credentials to bolster their campaigns. Vance recently criticized Harris for allegedly wearing an expensive necklace in a campaign ad, suggesting it was out of touch with average Americans. This attack might have been less effective if it had come from Trump, known for his wealth and luxury lifestyle.

Walz, on the other hand, has been vocal about the contrast between his own experiences and Trump’s affluent background. He emphasized his working-class roots and criticized Trump for prioritizing the interests of the wealthy.

The campaign dynamics underscore the ongoing battle to connect with middle America, a crucial factor in the upcoming election.