Until his selection as Kamala Harris’s running mate, Walz had been scheduled to give remarks at a much smaller venue miles from the United Center stage, at an event held by the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Now that the governor had a more important address to deliver, Flanagan stepped in. “Our whole job is just ‘Be ready,’” she joked to an audience that numbered in the dozens. Being ready will assume added significance if Harris makes history as the first woman president, taking Walz to the White House along with her. The 44-year-old Flanagan would achieve a milestone of her own, becoming the first Native American woman to serve as governor of any state in the country.