Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a former Democratic vice presidential candidate, delivered a scathing critique of the media during a speech at the Democratic National Committee’s summer strategy meetings in Minneapolis, calling out mainstream news outlets for spotlighting internal Democratic Party disputes. He asserted that the media is ‘bringing a pencil to a knife fight’ and is more focused on the party’s internal rifts than on the real crises facing the nation, including the Trump administration’s alleged ‘fascist’ policies.
‘In the midst of a military takeover of our cities and the attempt to go into others, their flaunting of the rule of law, the cruelness and the unconstitutional nature of the way they’re attacking our neighbors, that the press finds the need to talk about, ‘Oh, there’s a division in the Democratic Party,”’ Walz said, adding that such discussions are akin to ‘there’s a division in my d— house and we’re still married, and things are good. That’s life!’ The speech was part of a broader push by Democratic leaders to unify a party that has been increasingly divided over key issues like DEI, healthcare, and the handling of the Trump administration’s policies.
Walz was also a vocal advocate for DEI, emphasizing that these initiatives are essential to the party’s mission. ‘We’re not shying away from diversity as a strength and equity as a goal and inclusion being the air we breathe. That’s what we should be doing,’ he stated. However, he criticized the media for focusing on such issues, arguing that the press should be reporting on the country’s larger problems instead of internal party politics. Walz also accused Trump of implementing ‘fascist policies,’ a claim that has been a recurring theme in his rhetoric. ‘I always get in trouble for it, I’ll continue to say it. I don’t think we do any favors when we don’t name it. These are fascist policies… That is what they are,’ he said. His comments were met with loud applause from the audience, signaling strong support for his stance.
In addition to his criticism of the media and Trump, Walz expressed frustration with the ease with which Republicans can operate, saying that they are ‘d— Republicans’ and can simply ‘make sure it’s cruel.’ ‘Think of how easy it would be to be a d— Republican. Oh, what should I wear today? This stupid fricking red hat? What should I say today? I don’t know, just make sure it’s cruel. Who do we listen to? That guy? Oh, the felon in the White House? Yeah, I listen to him, and that will be fine,’ he said. This line underscored his broader view that the Republican Party operates with a lack of accountability and ethical standards.
Walz concluded his speech by urging Democrats to ‘run to a better future,’ highlighting the need for unity, inclusivity, and a focus on the well-being of all citizens. ‘A future that includes everyone, a future where our children are valued and lifted up, a future where immigrants are celebrated just like our grandparents and parents were, a future where we ask people to pay their fair share while we make life a bit easier for others,’ he said, adding that the party should not be concerned with what neighbors think about personal joys. Walz’s speech has been seen as a rallying call for Democrats to refocus on their core values and address the challenges facing the country, rather than allowing internal disputes to dominate the political narrative.