Accusations of stolen valor, a resurfaced DUI arrest and a controversial tampon coverage have all littered Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s entry onto the 2024 Democratic Get together ticket.
Being chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris’ operating mate thrust him into the highlight, open to each media reward and scorn and main those that are unfamiliar along with his document to ask: who precisely is Tim Walz?
Fox Nation’s newest particular units out to reply that query, diving into the political profession of the previous geography instructor and veteran who might turn out to be the following vice chairman, ought to Harris emerge victorious this November.
VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS NAMES MINNESOTA GOV. TIM WALZ AS HER RUNNING MATE
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks to reporters after a gathering with U.S. President Joe Biden on the White Home on July 3, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Pictures)
Because the Fox Nation particular explores, the Nebraska-born Minnesota Democrat obtained his begin in politics as a county coordinator for then-Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004. He later eked out a victory over his opponent – a 12-year incumbent – in a 2006 Home race with assist from teamsters and different unions and went on to serve six phrases in Congress, setting the stage for his even later run for the governorship.
“His district turned from purple to red, but his voting record is solid blue,” Fox Information’ Brian Kilmeade defined in the course of the particular.
“We’re talking gender affirming care, throwing boatloads of money at public schools, thinking that will solve the problems,” Fox Information contributor Joe Concha mentioned, highlighting a standard criticism amongst conservatives that Walz is exceedingly progressive.
“But most importantly, believing that the United States government should spend trillions of dollars to fight the climate crisis,” he continued.
Walz beat out a sequence of prime Democrats for the VP spot, together with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, prompting the query, what does he deliver to the ticket?
FIVE CONTROVERSIES SURROUNDING VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE TIM WALZ, FROM DUI TO COVID FRAUD
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is welcomed by Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, earlier than she delivers remarks at a marketing campaign occasion, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Eau Claire, Wisc. (AP Picture/Charles Rex Arbogast)
“I have no idea,” Concha mentioned.
To some, he seems to be a relatable Midwestern man, a feat that would pull in swing state voters. He grew up in small-town Nebraska, joined the navy, attended a state faculty and have become a instructor.
After assembly and marrying his spouse, Gwen, the duo moved again to her residence state of Minnesota.
“This is somebody who could be very relatable in the key states that matter,” Concha added.
However different stains on his previous have resurfaced, together with his 1995 DUI arrest. Whereas some view it as problematic, others see it as a redemption story, together with Democratic strategist Kevin Walling.
Republicans like Trump operating mate JD Vance are additionally calling into query the timing of Walz’s exit from the navy in 2005, simply earlier than his unit was deployed to Iraq.
TIM WALZ ‘MISSPOKE’ ABOUT USING WEAPONS ‘IN WAR,’ HARRIS CAMPAIGN SAYS: REPORT
As governor, nevertheless, Walz has had a front-row seat to all of the newsworthy occasions of latest years – the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter riots that adopted the 2020 loss of life of George Floyd, amongst others.
Republicans have frequently grilled him for his progressive stances on each, and on different points like abortion and immigration.
However after President Biden’s poor debate efficiency in opposition to Donald Trump despatched his reelection bid right into a downward spiral, Kamala Harris took the reins because the presumptive nominee, leaving her with the choice of who can be her second-in-command if she assumes the presidency.
“[He’s] really bubbled up to the surface as a happy warrior, as someone who’s not going to outshine the top of the ticket,” Walling mentioned.
To be taught extra concerning the Democratic vice presidential nominee, join Fox Nation and start streaming, “Who is Tim Walz?” at the moment.
