Clinton picks Kaine as running mate

The selection of Kaine, a self-described ‘boring’ Virginian with a reputation for lowkey competence, could appeal to independents and moderates, but it quickly angered liberal groups that object to his advocacy for an Asian free-trade pact. The Spanish-speaking former Virginia governor and Richmond mayor fit Clinton’s long-stated criteria that the vice presidential choice be a capable and reliable partner who is ready to take over the presidency if necessary. 

Clinton made the announcement via Twitter and a text message to supporters after the first day of a two-day campaign swing in Florida. She called Kaine to tell him about 40 minutes before the announcement, and called President Barack Obama shortly after Kaine.

“I’m thrilled to tell you this first: I’ve chosen Senator Tim Kaine as my running mate. Welcome him to my team,” she said in her text message. 

Kaine, 58, edged out two other finalists - Cory Booker, a US senator from New Jersey, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, according to a Democratic source familiar with the discussions. 

Clinton also bypassed candidates who would have generated more excitement among liberal and Hispanic activists, including progressive favourite US Senator Elizabeth Warren and two Hispanic members of Obama’s Cabinet, Julian Castro and Thomas Perez.

Describing Donald Trump’s speech at the Cleveland convention on Thursday as a dark and divisive vision, Hillary Clinton has said her Republican rival offered a lot of fear and anger but no solutions about anything that he talked about.