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After a stunning defeat in the 2024 presidential election, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz seemed to vanish from the political stage. Along with former Vice President Kamala Harris, who had been a central figure in the Democratic campaign, Walz faded into the background, leaving many to wonder what his next move would be.
While Harris remained largely out of the spotlight following their loss to President Donald Trump, Walz has gradually reappeared, making a series of public appearances and interviews. In these moments, he has sought to explain why the Democratic ticket ultimately failed and, in some cases, to shift the blame toward others.
Walz’s reemergence has not gone unnoticed. He has weighed in on a range of issues, taking aim at Republicans, including the former president, as well as tech mogul Elon Musk.
Walz’s comments have positioned him as a vocal critic of Trump’s policies and rhetoric, lending his voice to the broader Democratic resistance. However, his recent statements have sparked considerable debate within his party.
Some see his public appearances as part of a "rehabilitation tour," with Walz attempting to distance himself from the loss while leaving the door open for a potential presidential run in 2028.
The narrative that Walz is preparing for a future political campaign is hard to ignore. Democratic strategist Joel Payne noted that Walz, despite his age—he’s 60—is not "an old guy," and his aspirations to be a significant voice within the Democratic Party moving forward are not unreasonable.
“When you’re a politician, your job is to constantly think about how you can serve,” Payne explained. “Democrats are in a place where all voices are welcome,” he continued, suggesting that Walz’s efforts to regain political relevance are part of a larger shift in the party.
Walz’s appearance on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s popular podcast marked one of his most high-profile returns to the public eye. The conversation was filled with candid moments, including Walz’s assessment of the 2024 race and what he sees as the current state of the Democratic Party.
Walz didn’t hesitate to comment on the division within the party and the struggles Democrats face in light of Trump’s political resilience. He also made an interesting remark about Trump supporters, suggesting that they are “scared” of his masculinity.
“I think I scare them a little bit, [which is] why they spend so much time on me,” Walz told Newsom, a fellow Democratic governor who has also been speculated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. The remark was met with laughter from Newsom, who seemingly found the comment humorous, prompting Walz to defend himself further.
"No, I’m serious, because they know I can fix a truck, they know I’m not bulls‑‑‑ting on this,” Walz said, seeking to portray himself as someone who could resonate with working-class voters—an image that he hopes could set him apart from his political rivals.
This past week, Walz made another splash, this time at a town hall in Wisconsin, a crucial swing state. His target was none other than Musk, who has been at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative that has led to the dismantling of several federal agencies.
Walz’s comments during the town hall were filled with biting sarcasm and a clear jab at Musk’s influence.
“On the iPhone, they’ve got that little stock app,” Walz said, referencing Tesla’s stock. "I added Tesla to it to give me a little boost during the day.” The quip was meant to underscore Musk’s financial misfortunes, as Tesla’s stock had taken a significant hit in recent months.
The comment received praise from Democrats, who are eager for leaders who will stand up to figures like Trump and Musk.
However, the reaction from Republicans and Musk himself was far less favorable. Musk, known for his unrestrained presence on social media, took to X (formerly Twitter) to mock Walz’s comments. "Sometimes when I need a little boost, I look at the @JDVance portrait in the White House and thank the lord," Musk tweeted, suggesting that Walz’s remarks only highlighted why he lost the election and contributed negatively to the Democratic ticket.
President Trump, in typical fashion, responded to Walz’s comments during a press conference in the Oval Office. When asked about the governor’s remarks, Trump wasted no time in criticizing Walz.
"He lost an election," Trump remarked, referring to Walz’s role on the Democratic ticket. "He played a part. You know, usually a vice president doesn’t play a part, they say. I think Tim played a part."
Trump didn’t stop there. He continued, “I think he was so bad that he hurt her,” referring to Harris. "But she hurt herself, and Joe hurt them both. They didn’t have a great group. But I would probably put him at the bottom of the group."
Walz’s brief time in the national spotlight as a vice-presidential candidate was initially met with optimism. His background as a former high school football coach and his down-to-earth persona seemed to resonate with many voters.
He was seen as a figure capable of connecting with moderates, independents, and even some Republicans. However, the post-mortem of the campaign has been less flattering. Democrats have criticized the campaign operation for being too cautious and failing to make the most of Walz’s appeal.
Many are now questioning whether Harris would have been better off selecting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate instead.
In a recent interview with Politico, Walz addressed some of the criticisms leveled at the campaign. "I think we probably should have just rolled the dice and done the town halls where [voters] may say you’re full of s‑‑‑. I don’t believe in you,” Walz reflected.
He also acknowledged that the Democratic Party, in general, tends to be more cautious, particularly when it comes to engaging with the media.
This shift in Walz’s approach is part of his broader effort to reposition himself within the party. Democrats who have long seen him as an effective messenger are now hoping that his post-election rehabilitation will reinvigorate the party.
"He was and is a very good messenger and communicator until he got put in a box during the campaign," said Democratic strategist Eddie Vale. "He’s trying to show that he’s still got his fastball."
However, not all political observers are convinced that Walz’s efforts will bear fruit. Some strategists argue that if Walz is serious about his future political ambitions, particularly a run for president, he will need to adopt a more aggressive and assertive approach.
"He should be less coy and more assertive if he wants to run for president," said Democratic strategist Brad Bannon. "That’s what voters want and Democrats need."
Tobe Berkovitz, a communications professor at Boston University, also voiced skepticism about Walz’s recent media blitz. "After a terrible campaign to be vice president, Gov. Walz is stumbling through a series of events and media appearances to present himself as a possible presidential candidate," Berkovitz said.
"This should be on the highlight reel presenting the desperation of the Democrats as they look forward to the 2026 and 2028 elections."
As Walz continues his post-campaign journey, one thing remains clear: he is positioning himself as a potential future leader of the Democratic Party. Whether his efforts will resonate with voters and party insiders remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—Tim Walz is not going quietly into the political night.
His public reemergence is a sign that he intends to remain a player on the national stage, and whether that will be as a key figure in the Democratic Party or a challenger in the 2028 presidential race remains to be seen.
