Why I think Tim Walz is the best VP pick.

[Desert grandma]

We have so many outstanding VP contenders, and thus have a very deep bench. I did not know much about Tim Walz until I heard him being interviewed on a television program. Biden/Harris won the election in 2020 against an incumbent. Joe Biden appealed to blue collar workers, labor, and came across as a straight shooter and the "kid from Scranton." Tim Walz, it seems to me, offers a similar voice as Biden in 2020. He has strong union and labor support as well as the ability to re-frame Republican talking points. He is a straight talker that appeals to younger voters too. He has been victorious in winning a Congressional seat in a rural area of Minnesota. He is likable, as was/is Biden. Another factor in his favor is his military experience as an enlisted man, and thus his strong support of veteran and military issues in Minnesota. I think we will do well with any of the choices, but the choice of Tim Walz reminds me of the winning Biden/Harris ticket in 2020. We will win in November because we are on the right side of history with the positive vision for the future.

[rzemanfl]

1. His background will make it possible for him to win over rural voters

in swing states. He doesn't Gaza war issues and is pro-labor.

[speak easy]

36. Um ... why bother with rural voters?

Why not double down on women and the suburbs? There are more of them, and they are more receptive to our messenging.

[crimycarny]

40. Biden beat Trump due to over performing in that group

Having grown up in the Midwest I know the type of voter Tim Walz would appeal to and those are the same voters who helped Joe Biden edge out Trump in some of those Midwest states. I think Tim Walz helps make the tent bigger.

[SWBTATTReg]

56. I can see why you say that, go for the more numerous voters, but I also like stomping tRUMP into the ground

and beating him MASSIVELY. A few extra million here and there extra million votes will put him away for good, make him never to consider running again for any office (because of his incompetence, his age, his disturbing mental status since he's missing up words a lot, making up his own language that no one understands, etc. In other words, he is disturbed and his mind is shot, probably from all of the nose candy that he's snorted up his nose.

[rzemanfl]

58. If rural voters thought the Dems would "bother" with them, maybe they wouldn't

vote for lying Republican assholes. The Repukes are going to try to steal this election, we need all the votes we can get.

[LakeArenal]

2. It would be nice to switch from East/west coast candidates.

Plus he has a fresh political style.

[mahina]

3. I like the best too

[LizBeth]

4. I just listened to a couple of his videos...

So much fun, love the guy. Was in Minneapolis last couple years and liked how he handled a handful of things but listening to him was fun. Very comfortable.

[cubbie]

5. I think he would be great!

I live in rural western NC and he was so right about public schools being vital to rural communities. Our schools are our biggest employer here. He is interesting to listen to and such a refreshing contrast to J.D. Vance. He also smiles and laughs alot like Kamala!

[senseandsensibility]

6. I think he appeals to the midwest

which is VERY important, but I am not a midwesterner and I really like his style. It's hard for me to imagine anyone who wouldn't like him. And can you imagine him against wooden, sour JD in a debate?

[spicysista]

7. He would be an amazing choice.

[CanonRay]

8. I'm beginning to agree with you

[awesomerwb1]

9. Yep yep I really like him

Had never seen him on tv/streams so I had no idea who he was. Been watching a few of his interviews and ......I'm leaning Walz now.

If the younger voters are ok with him, he should be the one. Great speaker, funny, charismatic and fun.

[OnDoutside]

10. Nice Interview here with Tapper, great command of thought.

[Tribetime]

12. This is how you respond to them love it

[pattyloutwo]

61. Awesome!

Thanks for posting this. I love how he frames the issues - making sure kids have breakfast and making sure women can control their bodies - what a monster! 😂

[OnDoutside]

66. Yes, that was the first decent length interview I've

seen him in and I'm impressed too.

Actually I've an idea for a thread 😉

[TexasBushwhacker]

11. He's my number one choice too

Military experience AND was a public school teacher.

[FakeNoose]

13. He sounds like the ideal candidate, but has anyone asked him this...

Is he willing to work for a woman boss? It takes a special kind of guy to be able to handle that.

The media rarely mentions this, but Joe Biden worked for a black man who was younger (and in many ways less experienced) than him. And yet PBO and Joe forged an ideal partnership and continued their friendship even to this day.

An excellent Governor such as Tim Walz still needs to accept that he would no longer be captain of the ship. He'd be taking orders from a woman, and not every guy can do that. I hope the answer is yes, but we'll see...

[edisdead]

15. is there anything about him that makes you think that?

did he have
problems with Pelosi when he was in the house? Is there anything you onow of from his past that would make it seem so?

Or is it solely because he is a man?

[FakeNoose]

19. I don't know anything about Tim Walz, other than what is posted here

I was hoping someone else would know the answer.

[BComplex]

30. If he has a 23 year old daughter, he's totally familiar with taking orders from a woman..trust me on this!

I have one such daughter, and believe me, her dad learned early on how to take orders! ❤️ Walz can handle this easily. Call it on the job training/experience.

[Sky Jewels]

43. WTF?

[Skittles]

69. I know, right?

[PlutosHeart]

48. Seeing how he has conducted his self

and also listened to his AG I feel confident that he would work very well with Harris both as a listener and someone who had valuable input.
He is my Governor. I do not want to loose him but for the sake of the country would give him up.

[LisaL]

53. It certainly looks that he wants the job of VP.

Isn't he "auditioning" when he is giving those interviews? I am sure he is willing work with a woman in charge.

[Lulu KC]

64. I cannot imagine that being a factor n/t

[Skittles]

68. WTF

I would hope ANY Dem would have zero issue "working for a woman boss"

[alarimer]

14. I'm coming around to this too.

I don't know how important the VP really is. But I definitely am hesitant about Shapiro and Kelly but for different reasons.

[PlutosHeart]

49. Not a fan of Shapiro

and his lack of caring about the environment.

[DontBelieveEastisEas]

16. Think about how OLD he looks in a campaign now energized by switching to a more youthful candidate. nt

[Nanjeanne]

17. He's the same age as Harris. Besides young people gravitate to bold and exciting ideas. Bernie

is old and had no problem energizing young people. Right now I think Walz has the attention of young people because of his bluntness, energy, humor and policies.

Vance is young. Just saying.

[DontBelieveEastisEas]

21. Ya, I agree, it just doesn't blend well with our messaging and what created the enthusiasm at this time. nt

[Nanjeanne]

22. Well if Trump drops Vance we can grab him up. He's really young!

[DontBelieveEastisEas]

24. There are millions of people that have as youthful appearance as Harris, we can do better from that pool than Vance nt

[Tribetime]

46. David Hogg in Florida thinks he will attract young voters

[BComplex]

32. Hahaha!

Good one, Nanjeanne!!

[Lulu KC]

65. Haha n/t

[irisblue]

20. He is 60, but he does look more grandpa like.

He also had a DUI in

Link to tweet

(that news site is listed as right leaning)

Shrub Bush had a DUI in 1976

Source-https://cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/11/02/bush.dui/

Americans do seem to like the redemptive second acts after a screw up. Yes, I do understand Republicans & conservatives get away with alot.

[Nanjeanne]

26. This was from 1995 and hasn't affected his elections so if this is the worst they can find,

I am not concerned. I’m sure Walz has had to explain himself many many times since then.

[irisblue]

27. Oh yeah I saw the date. But RW authoritarians will go at that.

Totally forgetting about Shrubs DUI

[Nanjeanne]

29. Have you investigated what Alpha News actually is? Really shouldn't even be quoted here on DU.

https://abetterminnesota.org/2022/02/the-truth-about-alpha-news/]

Murky origins

Alpha News launched in 2015, headed by a group of Tea Party Republicans, many of whom wouldn’t even reveal their identities. Some of Alpha News’s “articles” don’t even have bylines. According to the Society for Professional Journalists code of ethics, that’s a major red flag. And that’s just one of many professional standards that Alpha News fails to meet.

An extremist agenda

Alpha News’s sketchy background is untrustworthy, but even that is nothing compared to the actual content hosted on their site. Posts on Alpha News’s website include baseless conspiracy theories, Islamophobic rhetoric, and bogus data.

An independent analysis calls Alpha News a questionable source, citing low credibility and far-right bias. Basically, Alpha News is fake news.

https://www.startribune.com/the-mysterious-launch-of-alpha-news/295815641/]

The launch of Alpha News was first promoted today by the Minnesota Tea Party Alliance on Facebook. Many of the initial news stories from Alpha News cover issues which have been advocated by the Minnesota Tea Party

In response to a request to interview any of the board members or staff with Alpha News, Erynn said many of the people "behind Alpha News would like to remain anonymous."

According to Alpha News' website, Erynn attended the University of Minnesota and served as Miss Minneapolis 2014. Erynn, a self-described Libertarian, also served

[irisblue]

35. Which is why in my post #26 I noted that is right leaning. I'm not willing to go into an argument with you.

I do not have time to argue. You can block me.

Have a good evening

[Nanjeanne]

37. Why would I block you and I didn't think I was having an argument. I thought it was a discussion.

Don’t be so sensitive. Relax and enjoy your night.

But if you are that stressed please feel free to block me. I won’t be insulted.

[Nanjeanne]

33. More info on the origin of this story from Daily Kos back in 2006

Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht has been running scared for a while now ... running from his rubberstamping voting record, running from the Bush Administration and desparately hoping for something to distract voters in southern Minnesota from the real issues.

The Republicans may have found it. In 1995, Tim Walz was pulled over for speeding and arrested for DUI. The only problem for the Republicans Lie Machine is he wasn't drunk. Tim has significant hearing loss. He couldn't hear the officer who pulled him over. The judge threw the case out.

Tim's loss of hearing stems from serving as an artillery gunner in the Minnesota National Guard. Gil Gutknecht's problems stem from voting as the Bush Administration would like him to vote over 90% of the time. Call the Gutknecht Campaign and ask them to stop the dirty smear campaign:
202-225-2472
507-252-9841
800-862-8632
507-238-2835

This attack originated from MN slime-meister Michael Brodkorb and his blog MN Democrats Exposed. Broadkorb has a long (in blog-years) history of lies, innuendo and a distinct inability to check his facts.

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2006/9/9/244487/-]

[moonscape]

25. In a still photo he looks older but in

interviews he’s youthful, fluid, energetic, quick, which is why he is catching on with all ages.


.

[honest.abe]

18. I'm starting to think that too.

He might be the best least risk candidate.

[Nanjeanne]

23. He knows how to talk about gun control too.

Link to tweet

?s=61&t=_R0eaN5XDTx3hnl2jyXBTA]

[pattyloutwo]

62. So great!

Gave the NRA money to charity - love that

[Demsrule86]

28. I like Tim Waltz but we need PA. Thus Shapiro is a better pick.

[crimycarny]

45. I believe Tim Walz would appeal to Pennsylvania voters too

Strong labor supporter and against school vouchers, which were unpopular in Pennsylvania when Shapiro supported them.

At least it's nice to have such a strong bench to choose from!

[ProudMNDemocrat]

31. A dear friend since 2005

One Nan read my responses about him on other threads.

[mn9driver]

34. He's a good governor. Great leadership.

I would hate to lose him to Washington, but yeah, he would make an excellent VP.

[PlutosHeart]

50. IKR?

[Diamond_Dog]

38. Being a teacher elevates him in my eyes, because wingnuts hate teachers.

I personally think we need someone more hip and young looking. I’m not saying he’s not a great candidate,and overall good person, but we need someone younger looking, please. Shapiro or Buttigieg.

[PlutosHeart]

51. When young people see

Shapiro's lack of doing anything on the environment and throwing wrenches in things they might not like him. I know I do not.

[epreic01]

39. He's delightful

I’ve enjoyed watching his interviews. He’d be a great pick!!!

[crimycarny]

41. I agree

I didn't know much about Tim Walz at all, never heard of him to be honest until he's been on the stump. You mention that you did not know much about Tim Walz and now you think he might be the best pick. I do too.

So to come from no one knowing who you are, to going viral on Tiktok and other social media (for his "weird" comments on Trump), and for you, me, and others to go from not knowing him to thinking he might be the best pick. That speaks volumes.

[Sky Jewels]

42. Same!

Love that guy. And he will galvanize Gen Z more than any of the other veep choices.

[TBF]

44. David Hogg really likes him & that's a strong rec in my book.

I still like Shapiro best, but I also see the benefits of everyone who has been suggested. This is a good problem to have.

[Passages]

47. Have you seen this? "We're not gonna stay in their frame...

Link to tweet

He's good at it.

[obnoxiousdrunk]

52. Agree.

Tim has David John's endorsement.

[dem4decades]

54. Is he a better pick than Brashear? I kind of like that guy.

[Dunnjen]

59. Same

However, I realized that he is very quiet on the national stage and seems to be focused on doing his job in Kentucky. I don't doubt that he's good at his job, but we also need a dynamic personality that doesn't pull punches. I'm remembering Tim Kaine, a quiet, interesting and steady guy. No bounce.

[dem4decades]

60. I'm remembering Joe Lieberman, more concerned with himself looking presidential than

Taking the fight to Bush and especially Cheney.

He cost Gore the election as far as I'm concerned.

[Nanjeanne]

55. What is so attractive to me and I think will be attractive to voters is that he can dress in a suit or in

normal, working class clothes and it doesn’t look like an act. He comes across as an authentic man, comfortable in his own skin and that’s appealing. With Kamala, he is an enthusiastic supporter of hers, but can also reach out to a constituency that might not be willing to give her a first look. I think they would make a super team, reaching voters across the spectrum. Lawyer - teacher. Prosecutor — football coach. Classy woman from a blue coast state. Regular guy vibe from a Midwest state. Both with great sense of humor and fun.

[TheFarseer]

57. He gives us a great chance to win

Especially rust belt states and states with rural populations like AZ, NV, NH. I’m not sure he translates to the South as much. He would destroy Vance in a debate and any appearances. But I see this as an investment in the future. This could at worst, plant a seed in rural America that Republicans are not helping you. They are a bunch of demented demagogues trying to say what they think rural people want but they actually just represent big business.

[Lulu KC]

63. He is growing on me very quickly n/t

[The Wandering Harper]

67. when I saw his smile and heard about his school lunch program

I immediately fell in for him

[FailureToCommunicate]

70. Fingers crossed. Maybe we'll find out today.

[Desert grandma]

71. I posted Gov Walz was my choice on July 28

I was so happy to learn that he was the one Vice President Harris picked. Because he is a Midwesterner, a veteran, and is very familiar with rural values, I think he will bring a balance to the ticket and a vibe that is reminiscent of the Biden/Harris team. We have a winning team!!!