Kamala Harris’s decision to choose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate has sparked a wave of controversy, especially among those who have witnessed Walz’s governance firsthand. Many Minnesotans, familiar with Walz’s leadership style, were quick to point out the alignment between Harris and Walz, dubbing them the perfect pair due to their staunch advocacy for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), their progressive ideologies, and a history of what critics call chronic dishonesty.
One of the loudest voices of disapproval comes from Caitlin Thielen, the wife of former Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Adam Thielen. Taking to social media, she expressed her frustration with Walz, accusing him of running Minnesota “into the ground” since becoming governor. Thielen’s critiques echo those of many in the state who have seen significant economic and social turmoil under his leadership.
Caitlin Thielen’s post highlighted the impact Walz’s policies have had on the state, touching on the struggles faced by everyday Minnesotans. She shared sentiments from sports broadcaster Michelle Tafoya, who has also been vocal about the state’s decline.
“I have lived in Minnesota since 1994. It has gone from being one of the safest, prettiest places in the US to one of the saddest. Police morale has plummeted,” Tafoya wrote, adding that “Walz is an excellent liar. He let our cities burn, has lost over half a billion taxpayer dollars in the last four years to scandal, blamed the spread of COVID on youth sports, I could go on…. The country will clearly have a choice between leftism and freedom.”
Criticism of Walz doesn’t stop with his governance. His military record has been called into question, with Retired Army Command Sergeant Majors Thomas Behrends and Paul Herr exposing how Walz allegedly evaded deployment to Iraq while serving in the National Guard. The two officers revealed that Walz had been promoted to Command Sergeant Major on the condition that he would fulfill his military duties, including potential deployment. Yet, in 2005, as his unit prepared for war, Walz reportedly quit, leaving his battalion without its senior Non-Commissioned Officer.
Under Walz’s leadership, Minnesota faced numerous challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. His lockdown mandates led to the bankruptcy of many small businesses, including restaurants, which struggled to survive under the strict regulations. Furthermore, the George Floyd riots in Minneapolis further exposed what critics say is Walz’s inability to handle crises. Rather than addressing the growing unrest, Walz’s policies have been accused of stoking tensions, leading to increased crime, including carjackings, across the state.
Another point of contention has been the surge in refugee and migrant populations in Minnesota. Walz’s policies have opened the state to more refugees and illegal migrants, including the Somali community, which now represents the largest concentration of Somalis in the U.S., largely centered in Minneapolis. Many Minnesotans argue that this has contributed to rising crime rates and strained resources in the state.
As Kamala Harris campaigns with Walz by her side, their partnership raises many questions. Will voters embrace their progressive platform, or will the growing concerns about Walz’s leadership and past missteps cast a shadow over Harris’s presidential aspirations? The upcoming election will be a referendum on these issues, and for many, it’s a choice between leftism and freedom, as critics like Tafoya have warned.