Minnesota’s Governor, Tim Walz (D), who was recently announced as Vice President Kamala Harris’s choice for vice president, made headlines last week by labeling former President Donald Trump a “threat to democracy” and branding Republicans as “fascist.”
Despite criticisms that such aggressive language contributes to a climate of fear and animosity—a climate highlighted by a recent assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally—Walz remained undisturbed.
Echoing the rhetoric of the Democratic Party, Walz referred to Trump and his vice-presidential counterpart, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), as “weird.”
“These guys are just weird. [Laughter] That’s who they are. It isn’t much else. Don’t give them the power. Look — are they a threat to democracy? Yes. Are they going to take our rights away? Yes. Are they going to put people’s lives in danger? Yes. Are they going to endanger the planet by not dealing with climate change? Yes. They’re going to do all that. But don’t let these guys up like they’re some types of heroes. Everybody in this room knows — I know it, as a teacher: a bully has has no self-confidence. A bully has no strength. They have nothing. [Applause] The fascists depend on fear. The fascists depend on us going back, but we’re not afraid of weird people. We’re a little creeped out, but we’re not afraid.” Walz stated.
While Walz condemned violence in politics and offered prayers for Trump following the attempt on his life, he appeared unfazed by concerns that terming political opponents “fascist” and dangers to “rights,” “lives,” and “the planet” might actually incite violent acts.
He also sought to downplay the commendation Trump received for his resilience after being targeted by an assassin, dubbing him a bully lacking in genuine confidence and strength.
