Former Democratic vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, disclosed that Kamala Harris selected him as her running mate because of his ability to connect with white men from rural backgrounds.
At a Harvard Kennedy School forum on Monday night, Walz said that former Vice President Harris chose him, in part, because “I could code talk to white guys watching football, fixing their truck” and “put them at ease.”
Walz positioned himself as a bridge for white rural American men to support Democrats. When questioned about his limited media presence by ABC News reporter Brittany Shepherd, he acknowledged delivering “10% problematic” content alongside valuable insights, whilst describing himself as a “knucklehead,” Fox News reported.
In a conversation with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Walz expressed interest in seeking a third term as Minnesota governor. He advocated for a collective Democratic presidential campaign approach for 2028, emphasising the importance of building infrastructure beforehand.
Reflecting on the 2024 campaign, Walz supported diverse Democratic outreach methods, from Gavin Newsom’s podcast featuring conservative guests to Bernie Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which has drawn substantial crowds.
However, Walz’s recent activities have faced challenges. He encountered criticism from veterans at the Minnesota Capitol, faced controversy at a Wisconsin town hall, and received backlash for his legislation on menstrual products, leading to the nickname “Tampon Tim”.
Analysing Democratic losses, Walz noted the party’s strength on issues and competency but acknowledged messaging failures. He questioned the party’s diminished association with personal freedoms and labour interests, warning about Trump’s influence in political voids.
On Trump’s first 100 days, Walz expressed concern about the administration’s impact, stating, “If you leave a void, Donald Trump will fill it”, and questioned the sustainability of “550 more” days until the midterms.
