Tim Walz: The New Democratic Hope
Even before he entered the vice presidential shortlist, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was working to portray Donald Trump and Republicans as “weird” to the American public. Walz’s ability to talk about policy and politics in a simple and accessible way, coupled with his knowledge of the online zeitgeist, has propelled him onto the national stage and into the eyes of millions of Gen Zers.
Normalizing vs. Weird-izing Politics
In American politics, the simple term of labeling the other side “weird” or “weird” is not revolutionary or sophisticated, but it represents a new framework for Democrats who have spent the past eight years trying to use special Trump personified as the greatest man to defeat Trump and Trumpism. Texas A&M University historian Jennifer Mercieca points out that making authoritarianism weird can help in calling it out and laughing at it, rather than normalizing it.
Walz’s Impact on Young Voters
Walz’s legislative record on issues like protecting abortion rights, legalizing recreational marijuana, and restricting gun access has helped him win over young voters. Gen Z-led organizations are throwing their full support behind Walz, recognizing his dedication to educating and empowering young people. Santiago Mayer, executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, applauds Walz’s ability to accurately articulate how young Americans feel about the current political climate.
