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Here's Everything You Need To Know About Clinton's Vice President Pick

by Alexandra Svokos
REUTERS

Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton announced her official pick for vice president on Friday evening.

Tim Kaine, a senator from Virginia, will be running with Clinton this fall. The announcement was made via a text message sent out to Clinton supporters a few days before the Democratic National Convention will start in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Kaine is considered a generally safe pick for Clinton's running mate. He is not fiery and outspoken like Senator Elizabeth Warren, who was rumored to be considered for the position. He is also not as big of an inspirational political figure as another vice president finalist, Senator Cory Booker. Kaine actually described himself as "boring."

Of course, it's important to note here Kaine is a white man. It's not hard to guess why the first-ever female presidential nominee for a major party might not want to pick a black man or another woman as her running mate.

Kaine is joining the fight against Donald Trump and his running mate, Governor Mike Pence. Pence is a conservative anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion governor of Indiana.

He was also seen as a safe pick for vice presidential running mate -- although that's just because he wasn't as notorious as Chris Christie or Newt Gingrich.

Kaine is a more moderate choice for the Democratic vice president role. He supports the Trans-Pacific Partnership and wants less regulation on regional banks, according to the Dallas Morning News. This falls contrary to Clinton's stances.

Kaine also runs counter to Clinton on abortion; he has a history of supporting anti-abortion legislation but tried to reverse that image since 2008, Politico reports. Still, Kaine is not as totally supportive of abortion rights as Clinton has been this election cycle. He said he personally opposes abortion but believes the government should not be involved in women's choices.

He's a religious Roman Catholic who speaks fluent Spanish, having done missionary work in Honduras during law school. He practiced law for nearly 20 years.

Kaine is currently serving as senator but previously served as a mayor and governor. He's one of just 20 people to have served all those roles, according to CNN.

Citations: Dallas Morning News, CNN, Politico