Laughter erupted Tuesday evening in Philadelphia as newly minted Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz took a jab at his Republican counterpart, saying he “can’t wait to debate the guy” — if he’s “willing to get off the couch and show up.”
Walz’s fiery introduction to Democrats at Temple University followed nominee Kamala Harris’s introduction to him as Coach Walz. The Minnesota governor didn’t hold back as he criticized Republican nominee Donald Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance for their support of the “dangerous and backward” Project 2025 plan to overhaul the federal government.
“J.D. Vance literally — literally — wrote the foreword for the architect of the Project 2025 agenda,” Walz stated, before targeting Vance for writing a book that disparaged America’s “heartland.” “I gotta tell you. I can’t wait to debate the guy,” Walz declared, eliciting cheers from the audience. “That is if he’s willing to get off the couch and show up.”
Walz immediately acknowledged the “couch” dig — a nod to an internet hoax — was intentional. “You see what I did there?” Walz asked, touching his hand to his ear as he laughed. Throughout his speech, Walz echoed popular left-wing criticisms of Trump and Vance. “You know it. You feel it. These guys are creepy and yes, just weird as hell,” he said, prompting more applause. “That’s just what you see!”
Walz’s remarks energized the crowd and set a combative tone for the campaign. His humorous yet pointed critiques highlighted the ongoing battle between the two political camps, emphasizing the Democrats’ stance against the proposed conservative changes represented by Project 2025.
The rally at Temple University marked a significant moment for the Harris-Walz ticket, showcasing their readiness to take on their Republican opponents head-to-head. As the campaign heats up, such exchanges are expected to intensify, with both sides leveraging their platforms to appeal to voters and solidify their positions.