Tim Walz: The Everyman of Minnesota Politics

Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, has effectively crafted an Everyman persona throughout his political journey. He has charmed locals by encouraging his vegetarian daughter to indulge in a corn dog at the state fair, sharing lighthearted videos where he offers simple, relatable solutions to common car troubles, and playfully labeling Republicans as “weird” during appearances on cable television.

After his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate was announced on Tuesday, the media’s portrayal of Walz varied significantly across partisan lines. Outlets from both the left and the right either embraced or dismissed his ordinary image.

Liberal commentators characterized Walz with terms such as “normal” and “vanilla,” emphasizing his potential to resonate with voters in swing states. They lauded his progressive stances on critical issues, including abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights. Meanwhile, some conservative media acknowledged Walz’s “folksy manner” but argued that this surface-level charm could mask what they described as dangerously radical, far-left ideologies, particularly regarding immigration and abortion.

Here’s a look at how the vice-presidential pick was discussed by partisan outlets on each side:

FROM THE LEFT

• MSNBC: Following President Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election and his endorsement of Ms. Harris, left-leaning outlets have portrayed Walz in a favorable light, emphasizing his relatability as a key asset.