Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz stole headlines this week as he gained momentum in the race to become Kamala Harris’ running mate. Walz has taken credit for being among the first to call out Republicans Donald Trump and J.D. Vance as “weird,” a term that has since gained traction among pundits to describe everything from Vance’s peculiar remarks to Trump’s meandering diatribes at campaign rallies.
In an interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN Tuesday, Walz reiterated his characterization of the duo, explaining that the term helps to disarm their perceived power. “I’ve dealt with bullies. I had 20 years in the classroom,” Walz said confidently. “This is about making sure you take away this perceived power he has.”
Cooper acknowledged Walz’s strategy, noting that it creates a new line of attack against Trump, who has previously seemed immune to attacks on his character. “It’s sort of discounting him in a way – sort of brushing him aside in a way he doesn’t know how to respond because he is humorless,” Cooper observed.
Trump recently claimed that Democrats would have to “cheat” for him to lose the vote in Minnesota. Walz was quick to counter this assertion, pointing out that Trump lost the state in both 2016 and 2020. “He will lose again,” Walz stated. “This is where it ends. It ends in the blue wall.”
Walz’s comments and his rising profile suggest a potential shift in the Democratic strategy, as the party seeks to challenge Trump and his allies with a mix of humor and direct confrontation. By labeling Trump and Vance as “weird,” Walz aims to undermine their authority and appeal, presenting himself as a strong contender for the vice presidential slot alongside Harris.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Walz’s approach may prove effective in drawing contrasts with the Republican candidates, positioning the Democratic ticket as a refreshing and relatable alternative.