The Democratic Party’s failed 2024 vice-presidential nominee and the incumbent Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, has been stirring up chatter about a potential 2028 presidential run. Instead of applause or encouragement, the once-defeated candidate faced scathing sarcasm and mockery across various conservative-leaning social media platforms. Such jesting ranged from deriding reactions filled with laughing emojis to curt comments such as ‘Need a morning chuckle’ or the sarcastic ‘Yes please’.
Walz, who shared the 2024 Democratic ticket with former Vice-president Kamala Harris, briefly fantasized about the possibility of a presidential run during a recent exchange. This discussion came after Walz stepped up to run with Harris in the turn of the tide amid the 2024 elections, as former President Joe Biden, plagued by concerns about his aging and mental capacities, bowed out of the presidential race.
Upon being probed whether he aspired to be President, Walz demonstrated initial reluctance before announcing he would undertake the run, given the opportunity. Recalling a bit of wisdom from his friend, Walz said, ‘Never turn down a job you haven’t been offered.’ He further remarked that he would weigh up running for the presidency if he perceived he could make a meaningful contribution.
Unusually marked by a tinge of humility, his extended comments further and rather paradoxically signified his ambition. ‘I’m also, though, not arrogant enough to believe there’s a lot of people that can do this.’ He went on expressing his readiness to run for the presidency in 2028, conditioned the circumstances were favorable, and he possessed the required ‘skill set’.
While he claimed that he’d be willing to ‘do whatever it takes’, his keen interest appeared to wane in the same sentence. ‘I certainly wouldn’t be arrogant enough to think that it needs to be me’, Walz added, somehow diminishing his own statement of intent.
Walz’s comments sparked a wave of criticism and ridicule on social media. The detractors revived the ‘Tampon Tim’ nickname, scoffing at the idea of a Walz-led presidency, yet ironically goading him to declare his candidacy.
In the course of this discussion, Walz noted that he carried a cordial relationship with Harris at the end of the failed campaign. However, his subsequent remarks about his sporadic interactions with the former VP since November 2024 raised eyebrows. Their infrequent exchanges seem to reflect an underlying detached professional relationship rather than a close camaraderie.
In a peculiarly sarcastic tone, Walz trivialized the geographic separation contributing to their decreased interactions. ‘She’s out in California, I believe, living, and I’m here in beautiful Minnesota, where the weather’s always great’, he jested. Such trivial remarks seemed to make light of the seriousness of their once-shared endeavor.
When questioned about their infrequent communication, Walz, energized by his own humor, suggested that perhaps the failed VP candidate didn’t wish to engage in discussions following their unsuccessful campaign. ‘Well, maybe she doesn’t want to talk to me after we got this thing done’, Walz replied, signaling a possible rift.
He later added that the timing wasn’t right but reassured that their relationship had ended on good terms. Interestingly, he mentioned his family, specifically his daughter, missing Harris. However, this claim seemed detached from the previous implications of his statements, bringing into question the overall sincerity of his narrative.
In summary, the prospect of a potential 2028 presidential run by Walz, a Democratic runner-up from the previous failed campaign, is being met with ridicule rather than support. With critics rekindling nicknames to mock the idea, and his comments revealing a somewhat strained relationship with his former running partner Harris, the path forward seems shadowed with skepticism and difficulty.
While Walz seems somewhat diverted by the idea of a future run, the reality of the political landscape echoes far removed. His reluctance and lack of firm commitment indicate a wavering resolve, heavily contrasted with the bold determination typically expected of a Presidential candidate.
The narrative of his possible 2028 presidential run echoes the uncertain trajectory of the Democratic party, both in terms of leadership and direction. This uncertainty, fueled by the underwhelming performance of Biden and Harris in the past, paints a rather bleak picture of the party’s future preparations. Walz’s tentative stance does little to add any positivity or conviction to the scope of the Democrats’ journey ahead.