The Kamala Harris campaign had an unusual idea to announce Tim Walz as her vice-presidential pick. They wanted Adrian Wojnarowski, a former ESPN basketball insider, to break the news, similar to how big basketball trades are announced. However, another news outlet reported it first, spoiling the plan.
Wojnarowski, known as Woj, recently left journalism to become the general manager for St. Bonaventure’s men’s basketball team, where he once studied. This career change meant a huge pay cut—from over $7 million annually to $75,000. Woj explained that money wasn’t the reason for the switch.
After years of fast-paced reporting, he felt burnt out and wanted a fresh challenge. He also shared that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year.
The Harris campaign’s attempt to use Woj for publicity fits with their strategy of focusing on flashy moves and celebrity connections. Despite spending over $1 billion in just over 100 days, her campaign ultimately failed, losing to Donald Trump in surprising ways.