CNN reported that Kamala Harris’ choice for Vice President, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, misrepresented facts about his 1995 DUI arrest during his congressional campaign. Documents and a traffic stop report reveal that on September 23, 1995, Walz was stopped for speeding at 96 mph in a zone marked for 55 mph. The arresting officer noted the smell of alcohol and Walz failed subsequent sobriety and blood-alcohol tests, which led to an overnight jail stay. Walz later conceded to the charges of drunk driving, according to court records.
Despite this, during his congressional bid, Walz and his campaign staff claimed his arrest was not due to alcohol but rather cited a supposed hearing impairment from his National Guard service. This narrative was refuted by CNN’s investigation.
The false narrative was repeated to the media, including the New Elm Journal, which quoted Meredith Salsbery, Walz’s campaign communications director at the time, stating Walz denied driving under the influence. Salsbery attributed the failed sobriety test to Walz’s difficulty in hearing the trooper due to his military service. She also incorrectly claimed that DUI charges were dropped and misrepresented the circumstances of Walz’s release.
Kerry Greeley, another member of Walz’s campaign, echoed similar statements to the Post Bulletin, attributing the misunderstanding during the traffic stop to Walz’s supposed hearing loss and balance issues, claims which were later contested.
These discrepancies have been highlighted in discussions about the integrity of Walz’s public image, with Ben Shapiro of the Daily Wire critiquing Walz’s character and questioning the narrative presented by the Harris campaign. Shapiro denounces Walz not just for the misrepresented DUI incident but also for fabricating aspects of his military service and adopting radical policies, casting doubts on the wholesome image presented during the campaign.
