Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, has introduced a novel approach to counter Republican rhetoric. The former Minnesota governor has been consistently labeling GOP policies and actions as "weird," marking a shift in Democratic messaging.
Last month, Walz stated in a television interview, "These are weird people on the other side. They want to take books away. They want to be in your exam room." This strategy aims to portray Republican policies as abnormal rather than focusing solely on the threat to democracy narrative.
Jennifer Mercieca, a historian at Texas A&M University, explains the rationale behind this approach: "The opposite of normalizing authoritarianism is to make it weird, to call it out and to sort of mock it."
Walz's selection as the Democratic vice presidential nominee on August 1, 2024, has been seen as reinforcing the party's image as "team normal." Rep. Greg Landsman of Ohio commented, "Gov. Walz can do the job, and helps reinforce that we're pragmatic, reliable and bipartisan."
The 60-year-old Midwestern politician has gained popularity among younger voters through his relatable language and social media presence. His ability to discuss policy in layman's terms and engage with internet culture has propelled him onto the national stage.
Walz's appeal to Gen Z voters is evident in the online memes and TikTok videos featuring his comments. One popular clip shows him criticizing GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance's remarks about "childless cat ladies."
"Go ahead and continue to denigrate people. Go ahead. My God, they went after cat people. Good luck with that. Turn on the internet. See what cat people do when you go after them."
However, Republicans have quickly adopted Walz's own strategy against him, labeling him as "weird" and "radical." Former President Donald Trump sent a fundraising email calling Walz "Dangerously Liberal" and claiming he would "unleash HELL ON EARTH."
Despite these attacks, Walz's legislative record on issues such as abortion rights, marijuana legalization, and gun control has garnered support from young voters nationwide. His background as a teacher, veteran, and outdoorsman adds to his appeal.
Santiago Mayer, executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, a Gen Z-led organization, expressed support for Walz, stating, "Governor Walz gets bonus points for articulating exactly how young Americans feel about Donald Trump and JD Vance: They are weird."
As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen how effective this new messaging strategy will be in swaying voters and countering Republican narratives.