Vice President Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential pick on Tuesday morning, the internet responded with an explosion of memes and jokes, celebrating the choice of the “Fun Midwestern Dad.”
Tim Walz, a former high school teacher and football coach, quickly became the star of social media. His approachable demeanor and wholesome images, such as teaching kids to change a tire or holding a piglet at the Minnesota State Fair, turned him into an internet sensation. The popular refrain “To the window, to the Walz!” epitomizes the excitement surrounding his candidacy.
The enthusiasm for Walz is in line with Harris’s campaign strategy, which focuses on internet savviness and engaging people in relatable and fun ways. Walz’s meme-ability complements this approach, showing that politics can be both serious and enjoyable.
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Walz began his VP audition with impactful TV appearances, where he repeatedly criticized the Republican ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. His strategy of calling them “weird” resonated well online, with many of his clips going viral and introducing him to a broader audience.
Most people might not have known much about Walz’s political career before this, but his recent online presence has made him a household name. Videos of him at the Minnesota State Fair, signing a bill for free school meals, and other wholesome moments have endeared him to many.
Harris’s choice of Walz over other potential candidates, like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, highlights a preference for a candidate who can generate excitement and engagement online. Shapiro, while strategic, would not have brought the same level of meme-fuel that Walz does.
Republican attempts to attack Walz have largely backfired. The nickname “Tampon Tim,” stemming from his legislation for free menstrual products in schools, has been mocked more than it has been used effectively against him. Many see the nickname as a weak attempt at criticism.
Walz’s meme-ability partly stems from his identity as a middle-aged white man, making it easier for diverse online communities to rally around him. This factor also influenced Harris’s decision, as a ticket with two women or two people of color might not yet be widely accepted in America.
Despite these considerations, the Harris-Walz campaign is redefining political engagement. By being authentic and fun, they are challenging conventional political wisdom and showing that politics can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
