Minnesotan here with a little anecdote: A friend of mine served under Walz when he was in the National Guard and has always talked about what an incredible leader he is (like for years - before he was in the national spotlight!). A few years ago, this friend ran into Walz at a fundraiser and hadn't seen him for years and Walz made a beeline for him right away, remembered his name and all sorts of details about him even though they hadn't seen each other for years (decades?).
This is a small story but tracks with his reputation: he is just a truly kind, caring, smart, empathetic person who cares about the greater good to his core. Mixed feelings here about losing him as our governor (although his lieutenant is wonderful and will be the first Native woman in the role!) but couldn't be prouder.
Walz is not beloved in rural MN which is unfortunate as he is working hard for rural Minnesotans too. Personally I'm feeling anxious about the news cycle once again spewing nonsense about crime in Minneapolis (where I live, and it is a wonderful city, albeit one with many of the same problems faced by urban areas all over the country)
I'm so excited for Tim Walz! He has further energized me for this ticket (and I was already pumped). But I think it shows Harris listens to the progressive contingent. I also love that he has been doing the right thing for way longer than so many in so many areas. You can tell he is here for *people* and he helped make fascism weird again. Love Tim Walz!!
I don’t think the Harris campaign could’ve picked a better messenger for Democratic policies. He is the average American and he will be able to talk to middle America in a non DC way. Love to see it!!
I didn’t know much about him a month ago and yesterday I felt like I was going to be crushed if she didn’t pick him! I am so excited for a Harris-Walz administration. Dare we feel hopeful? Democracy in Retrograde confirmed I’m meant to be a Leader and a Giver and I’m getting back to work. 💙
I'm excited! He reminds me of a lot of the dads I grew up with in Pittsburgh. Fun but no BS. Also love seeing a hunter who recognizes the need for gun reform. He just feels like a normal guy, you know?
I was born and raised in MN but no longer live there. I’ve been envious of my friends and family in MN who have had the chance to vote for him and support him. Now I get the chance to vote for him too! It’s a great pick and the one I hoped Harris would choose! He is going to win over so many people for all the reasons you stated. Let’s go!
I’m living for the BigDadEnergy memes. And this is going to be healing from the experience of watching my well-liked high school social studies teacher/football coach turn MAGA.
Someone who has actually lived in rural America and just gets it!! I saw something that said he is the dad that many liberal woman have lost to Trump 🥹
THRILLED!!!! This is the first time in my lifetime Democrats had a chance to increase goodwill instead of blow it on something stupid, and I cannot believe they did this!!!!!!
Thanks for writing this! I wasn’t really excited about him (not for any particular reason) but this was a helpful primer to make me realize how great of a choice this was!
I’m happy about it, I guess. I’m only sad because he’s a great governor, and I’m sad to lose his leadership locally. I think he will be a great VP, too!
He's an IVF dad, I think such a good messenger on how cruel the "childless cat ladies" shit really is. I'm thrilled!
7 YEARS of IVF and it’s why he named his daughter HOPE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Minnesotan here with a little anecdote: A friend of mine served under Walz when he was in the National Guard and has always talked about what an incredible leader he is (like for years - before he was in the national spotlight!). A few years ago, this friend ran into Walz at a fundraiser and hadn't seen him for years and Walz made a beeline for him right away, remembered his name and all sorts of details about him even though they hadn't seen each other for years (decades?).
This is a small story but tracks with his reputation: he is just a truly kind, caring, smart, empathetic person who cares about the greater good to his core. Mixed feelings here about losing him as our governor (although his lieutenant is wonderful and will be the first Native woman in the role!) but couldn't be prouder.
Walz is not beloved in rural MN which is unfortunate as he is working hard for rural Minnesotans too. Personally I'm feeling anxious about the news cycle once again spewing nonsense about crime in Minneapolis (where I live, and it is a wonderful city, albeit one with many of the same problems faced by urban areas all over the country)
I love this story—Says so much about his character. Thanks for sharing!!!
He handled the San Francisco questions beautifully, he’s got this!!!!!
I'm so excited for Tim Walz! He has further energized me for this ticket (and I was already pumped). But I think it shows Harris listens to the progressive contingent. I also love that he has been doing the right thing for way longer than so many in so many areas. You can tell he is here for *people* and he helped make fascism weird again. Love Tim Walz!!
Make fascism weird again. I love it!
I AM THRILLED!!!!! This choice feels like Kamala and her team are listening to the people and I’m feeling incredibly hopeful. Let’s go!!!
I don’t think the Harris campaign could’ve picked a better messenger for Democratic policies. He is the average American and he will be able to talk to middle America in a non DC way. Love to see it!!
I didn’t know much about him a month ago and yesterday I felt like I was going to be crushed if she didn’t pick him! I am so excited for a Harris-Walz administration. Dare we feel hopeful? Democracy in Retrograde confirmed I’m meant to be a Leader and a Giver and I’m getting back to work. 💙
I'm excited! He reminds me of a lot of the dads I grew up with in Pittsburgh. Fun but no BS. Also love seeing a hunter who recognizes the need for gun reform. He just feels like a normal guy, you know?
I am also from Pittsburgh (and live there currently), and I have had the same thought about Walz!
Who knew MN dad energy is the same as Pgh dad energy
I was born and raised in MN but no longer live there. I’ve been envious of my friends and family in MN who have had the chance to vote for him and support him. Now I get the chance to vote for him too! It’s a great pick and the one I hoped Harris would choose! He is going to win over so many people for all the reasons you stated. Let’s go!
I’m living for the BigDadEnergy memes. And this is going to be healing from the experience of watching my well-liked high school social studies teacher/football coach turn MAGA.
I'm SO happy and excited! Tim Walz is exactly who we need...common sense, down to earth, good human being!
Someone who has actually lived in rural America and just gets it!! I saw something that said he is the dad that many liberal woman have lost to Trump 🥹
THRILLED!!!! This is the first time in my lifetime Democrats had a chance to increase goodwill instead of blow it on something stupid, and I cannot believe they did this!!!!!!
Thanks for writing this! I wasn’t really excited about him (not for any particular reason) but this was a helpful primer to make me realize how great of a choice this was!
Same here. I was hoping for Kelly but this is a fantastic summary.
I’m happy about it, I guess. I’m only sad because he’s a great governor, and I’m sad to lose his leadership locally. I think he will be a great VP, too!
But your Lt Governor is incredible! She will make history!
Love him. I live in MN, and he is a gem!
First learned about him from our 30 year old daughter in MN. She loves him - and so do we! Can’t wait to vote for him & Kamala. What a fabulous ticket