WASHINGTON — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been portraying Donald Trump and Republicans as “weird” even before being considered for the vice president position. Walz stated, “These are weird people on the other side. They want to take books away. They want to be in your exam room,” during a recent TV interview. This strategy of labeling the opposition as “weird” started in news interviews and gained momentum on social media, particularly among young Americans. While this approach may not be groundbreaking in American politics, it represents a new tactic for Democrats in their efforts to challenge Trump and Trumpism, which they have previously personified as a major threat to democracy.
Jennifer Mercieca, a historian at Texas A&M University, emphasized the importance of highlighting and mocking authoritarian behavior rather than normalizing it. The Democratic party is now focusing on a fresh generation of candidates who aim to not only raise concerns about a potential second Trump term but also categorize Republican policies and actions as abnormal. Walz, a 60-year-old figure known for his relatable communication style and understanding of internet trends, emerged as a powerful advocate for this new approach and was recently selected as the Democratic vice presidential nominee.
The rise of online nickname “the cool dad” for Walz prompted a wave of memes and TikTok videos following the news of his vice presidential candidacy. Walz’s ability to communicate policy and politics in a simple manner combined with his connection to popular online culture has attracted the attention of many Gen Z voters, essential for the Democratic party’s success in the upcoming election. However, the Republicans have swiftly retaliated by branding Walz as “weird” and “radical,” with Trump sending a fundraising email characterizing him as “Dangerously Liberal” and promising to bring about catastrophic consequences.
Despite the Republican criticism, Walz’s track record on significant issues such as abortion rights, marijuana legalization, and gun control has made him popular among young voters not only in Minnesota but also nationwide. Organizations like Voters of Tomorrow, led by Gen Z activists, have thrown their support behind Walz, commending his efforts to educate and empower young people. Santiago Mayer, the executive director of the group, noted that Walz effectively articulates the sentiments of young Americans towards figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance, whom he labeled as “weird” due to their focus on limiting freedoms and engaging in cultural conflicts.
