Tim Walz's Progressive Realism, Explained

In front of a crowd of thousands at a rally in Philadelphia this week, Vice President Kamala Harris made her first appearance with her newly-minted running mate: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Aside from popularizing the withering “weird” insult against Republicans, the two-term Midwest governor has a reputation that straddles the moderate/progressive divide within the Democratic Party. During his decade-plus representing a swing district in the House, Walz earned a reputation as a pragmatist who regularly reached across the aisle to pass legislation through Congress. But as governor, he signed a slate of major progressive bills into law, like protecting access to abortion and gender-affirming care, expanding gun control, and guaranteeing paid family leave. To get a better sense of Walz and what we he brings to the ticket, Max and Josie examine Walz’s rise from high school social studies teacher to vice presidential hopeful. They’ll dig deep into four major policies that have helped shape his career as a lawmaker: healthcare, free school lunches, reproductive rights and IVF, and the war in Gaza.

[@rndmlttrs]

I think it's important to note that everybody KNEW that Walz would lose his seat by voting for the ACA. He created a bit of a legend for himself by voting for it anyway, saying that he didn't understand someone running for office just to keep the job. He didn't lose his seat and he gained a TON of respect within congress.

[@starkillerclub3755]

Being pragmatic is severly underated in today's politics. The left sometimes fails to take a "W" because of the refusal to acknowledge change happens in increments.

[@blcatron1107]

Excellent piece. I learned a lot!

[@gloriabernardo3978]

Walz makes everyone laugh 😂

[@WackadoodleMalarkey]

Think Vance will get off his couch?

[@user-ei2lm6us2e]

HE'S A LIAR, HE DESTROYED MINNESOTA, HE ALLOWED MPLS TO BURN AND MINN HAS THE HIGHEST TAXES IN THE NATION.

[@philkelly8261]

@@WackadoodleMalarkey The Coach vs The Couch!