Before Tim Walz, Hubert H. Humphrey and Walter Mondale went from Minnesota to the vice president’s office — then saw their presidential ambitions fail.

Tim Walz as her running mate today, the move was welcomed in many quarters of the Democratic Party because of his progressive credentials and his profile as the prototypical do-no-harm running mate. He is a vice presidential pick who provides regional balance — he’s expected to serve as the ticket’s Blue Wall whisperer — without alienating any of the party’s key interest groups or ideological wings.

In 2001, the North American Vexillological Association — an organization of flag enthusiasts — conducted a poll asking its members to rank the official flag of each American state and Canadian province.

By choosing Walz, Harris is elevating a Midwestern governor, veteran and former schoolteacher to help shore up support among blue-collar, white voters.