The notion that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz would not only uphold Joe Biden’s policies but also steer them even more to the left was confirmed by Walz himself. During a 2022 appearance on MSNBC’s The ReidOut, Walz made it clear that the freedom of speech does not extend to the spread of misinformation or hate speech, particularly when it pertains to the democratic process.
“There’s a line when it comes to free speech and the spread of false information or hate speech concerning our democracy,” Walz commented on The ReidOut, hosted by a substitute on the day. Though Walz did not specify what constitutes ‘misinformation,’ he pointed out its harmful effects on public discourse about elections, the January 6th event, and the Covid pandemic. He mentioned efforts in Minnesota aimed at simplifying the voting process, including automatic registration and providing ballots in various languages, highlighting it as a win for democracy.
Addressing the issue of voter intimidation, Walz underscored his stance that the First Amendment has its limits, especially in the face of widespread “misinformation” about the voting process. The article cites the case of Douglass Mackey, who faced legal consequences for disseminating a misleading meme about voting via text in 2016. The Department of Justice’s inability to find anyone misled by Mackey’s joke contrasts with the non-prosecution of Kristina Wong, who made a similar jest directed at Trump voters for the same election.
Walz’s remarks concerning the First Amendment resonate with previous declarations made by Biden, where he stated that “no right is absolute”—a viewpoint Biden applied to gun control and the Second Amendment. Walz, however, applies this perspective to the First Amendment, foundational to the rest of the amendments.
In addition, Walz has shown a commitment to making Minnesota a safe haven for minors seeking gender-affirming care and has openly criticized his own “white male privilege.” This, while appointing himself as the head of a newly established diversity, equity, and inclusion board upon his inauguration as governor of Minnesota.
