The mark of a true adult and good person, admitting when you were wrong. This is one of the many reasons we love you Chris. Adapting your opinion to new information is something we should all do and celebrate, not belittle!
I taught in a public high school for 15 years, and it definitely changed me, or rather allowed me to see things differently from the perspective of the kids. I think this is what happened with Walz. Now, I am a little to the right of him politically (just a little, no I'm not voting for Trump), but I do see him as being an honest man, something I think a lot of men like me still prize. I do hate liars, and especially lying politicians. Walz is simply not that guy, the lying politician. Now, for a Gen-X guy like me, I might like that virtue. Now, if my reading is accurate, Kamala Harris made the final decision on Walz. She might have even gone against the advice of top advisors. Multiple pieces that I've read placed the decision squarely in Kamala's hands. To me, this shows good decision-making skills, and Harris will continue to accumulate votes from my demographic, to whatever level constitutes the bottom where race will be the deciding issue.
Yup. If it wasn’t already clear, last night made it obvious that Tim Walz is ABSOLUTELY what this country needs right now!
Josh Shapiro’s was very good, and I see why they call him the “white Obama”. That said, the sincerity of Tim Walz, the life experience that he brings, and the calm confidence in who he is forms a PERFECT counterpart to the ugly, dark, dystopian campaign of MAGA.
And the contrast with JD Vance couldn’t be more stark! There’s a guy who can’t figure out what his name is, doesn’t hold a political philosophy in his heart, will go whichever way the wind blows, is filled with contempt for women and *so* many others, and doesn’t have literally ANYTHING required to be “a heartbeat away from the Oval Office”.
Man, I didn’t think I could get any *more* optimistic about our chances on November 5th, but boy I’m excited now! Next step is deciding whether I’ll write postcards, or make the trek to Arizona to door knock on Democrats doors to get out the vote for Progressive Turnout (I’m in Los Angeles and we hardly count towards this election….)
Overall I _think_ I prefer Shapiro as a semi-nuts-and-bolts governor to Walz as a governor; Walz of course has a lot more time in office as governor, and was governor throughout of the halcyon Both Sides Were Effin Nuts, albeit in quite different ways, days of 2020 while Shapiro had the possibly somewhat :) easier job of AG back then.
But I think Walz does far better as a Symbolic National Personality and Biography. For one thing, Shapiro seems to shout way too much whenever I have heard him speechify (granted, that has only been since he developed a National Profile).
I beg you on my knees not to call yourself a content creator. Guys talking about video games or movies, picking locks online or being on platforms aiming to... tintillate the senses... are content creators. You are a content creator who is also a journalist. The content you create is journalism.
I didn't see the speech live (wayyy too late for me) BUT I watched it this morning and I TOTALLY AGREE with you Chris on the power of the speech last night from Walz! I think his son stole the show though,that was so powerful and wonderful to see!!!
I agree! To compare his speech with the Obama's is not even in the same realm. Like comparing his high school football team with the Raiders--to use the football imagery! But you are right! He was/is himself, and in this climate THAT is such a breath of fresh air!
Walz comes across as NOT A DC POLITICIAN. Ironically the message Trump sent in 2016. Which I think is one of the reasons his choice was inspired. But it’s more than that. He looks like your dad. More ready to tell you to tidy your room than accuse you of being a lonely cat lady. Trump Republicans have become the very thing they attack democrats for. Exclusive. They make you feel uncomfortable. Say strange things. Do even stranger things. Walz is someone you can go and have a beer with. Can’t really see myself doing that with Trump or Vance or MAGA Republicans lol
trump, vance, and their ilk believe in privilege, but more importantly, believe that they deserve said privilege. And no, I would never waste time or my precious beer on these "people ". Just leaves me with less time in my life and less beer to enjoy...
The timing on this post is an interesting coincidence. My 29-year-old politically and social media savvy son asked me last night if you had substack posted about being wrong on Shapiro over Walz. He was on the Walz bandwagon from the get go. I’ll let him know what you wrote this morning. I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of this, with an obvious, “I told you so.”
Big Kudos on the Walz acknowledgment.
Citing the old adage, “nobody’s perfect” Chris! 🤷♂️😄
As a former, and still proud Minnesotan (currently hostage in Iowa) - So happy you saw Walz for his love of country, family and fellow man. For decades we've had Ivy League, and financially successful people, but maybe "heart" was missing. Tim's big Dad energy is genuine. His relatability may help expand the party and save democracy.
I think this is a rare case where the VP candidate will matter a lot. I think he’s the bigger draw than Harris. And he is very reassuring in that if he thinks Harris is the right one, she must be. The football coach metaphor works here. The coach picks the players.
What a contrast to the GOP. What is their metaphor? Demolition derby and fake wrestling.
OK, I've said it before: Sometimes, the VP pick matters. If you were paying attention in 1960 (I was, but most of Chris' readers probably weren't alive in 1960 or certainly not paying attention to the conventions) you know that JFK picked LBJ and, as a result, the Dems carried Texas and won the election. Sometimes, the VP pick matters.
Yes, that's the great example, just like "The Godfather, Part II" is the example of the sequel that outshines the original. In other words, it's a rarity.
Appreciate your thoughts this morning on Walz. I was particularly moved by the obvious love of his family. A confirmation of family values which was missing from the RNC of a few weeks ago.
The mark of a true adult and good person, admitting when you were wrong. This is one of the many reasons we love you Chris. Adapting your opinion to new information is something we should all do and celebrate, not belittle!
Agree! We love you, Chris!
Isn't it nice to see someone actually pin their agenda on their sleeve - and it's a Good one? Tim Walz feels like an antidote to MAGA icky-ness.
Amen!
You are a little hard on yourself, but it's all fine. This is what happens when someone gets elevated to the national stage.
You remain a journalist, btw. Don't demean yourself with "content creator". That sounds like a 22 year old on Twitch.
HA. Thank you!
I taught in a public high school for 15 years, and it definitely changed me, or rather allowed me to see things differently from the perspective of the kids. I think this is what happened with Walz. Now, I am a little to the right of him politically (just a little, no I'm not voting for Trump), but I do see him as being an honest man, something I think a lot of men like me still prize. I do hate liars, and especially lying politicians. Walz is simply not that guy, the lying politician. Now, for a Gen-X guy like me, I might like that virtue. Now, if my reading is accurate, Kamala Harris made the final decision on Walz. She might have even gone against the advice of top advisors. Multiple pieces that I've read placed the decision squarely in Kamala's hands. To me, this shows good decision-making skills, and Harris will continue to accumulate votes from my demographic, to whatever level constitutes the bottom where race will be the deciding issue.
I taught rural public high school for 7 years and I cannot agree with you more. It changes you and your view of the world.
Yup. If it wasn’t already clear, last night made it obvious that Tim Walz is ABSOLUTELY what this country needs right now!
Josh Shapiro’s was very good, and I see why they call him the “white Obama”. That said, the sincerity of Tim Walz, the life experience that he brings, and the calm confidence in who he is forms a PERFECT counterpart to the ugly, dark, dystopian campaign of MAGA.
And the contrast with JD Vance couldn’t be more stark! There’s a guy who can’t figure out what his name is, doesn’t hold a political philosophy in his heart, will go whichever way the wind blows, is filled with contempt for women and *so* many others, and doesn’t have literally ANYTHING required to be “a heartbeat away from the Oval Office”.
Man, I didn’t think I could get any *more* optimistic about our chances on November 5th, but boy I’m excited now! Next step is deciding whether I’ll write postcards, or make the trek to Arizona to door knock on Democrats doors to get out the vote for Progressive Turnout (I’m in Los Angeles and we hardly count towards this election….)
I was big on Team Shapiro and was very disappointed with the Walz pick.
He proved me wrong last night. Great speech.
Overall I _think_ I prefer Shapiro as a semi-nuts-and-bolts governor to Walz as a governor; Walz of course has a lot more time in office as governor, and was governor throughout of the halcyon Both Sides Were Effin Nuts, albeit in quite different ways, days of 2020 while Shapiro had the possibly somewhat :) easier job of AG back then.
But I think Walz does far better as a Symbolic National Personality and Biography. For one thing, Shapiro seems to shout way too much whenever I have heard him speechify (granted, that has only been since he developed a National Profile).
I beg you on my knees not to call yourself a content creator. Guys talking about video games or movies, picking locks online or being on platforms aiming to... tintillate the senses... are content creators. You are a content creator who is also a journalist. The content you create is journalism.
Ok. Deal!
People magazine would have cringed on how hard you slobbered on Tim Walz. You are worthy of a paid tik tok influencer.
I didn't see the speech live (wayyy too late for me) BUT I watched it this morning and I TOTALLY AGREE with you Chris on the power of the speech last night from Walz! I think his son stole the show though,that was so powerful and wonderful to see!!!
I also was disappointed at time it was not Shapiro; now I think the correct person was chosen.
I agree! To compare his speech with the Obama's is not even in the same realm. Like comparing his high school football team with the Raiders--to use the football imagery! But you are right! He was/is himself, and in this climate THAT is such a breath of fresh air!
Walz comes across as NOT A DC POLITICIAN. Ironically the message Trump sent in 2016. Which I think is one of the reasons his choice was inspired. But it’s more than that. He looks like your dad. More ready to tell you to tidy your room than accuse you of being a lonely cat lady. Trump Republicans have become the very thing they attack democrats for. Exclusive. They make you feel uncomfortable. Say strange things. Do even stranger things. Walz is someone you can go and have a beer with. Can’t really see myself doing that with Trump or Vance or MAGA Republicans lol
trump, vance, and their ilk believe in privilege, but more importantly, believe that they deserve said privilege. And no, I would never waste time or my precious beer on these "people ". Just leaves me with less time in my life and less beer to enjoy...
The timing on this post is an interesting coincidence. My 29-year-old politically and social media savvy son asked me last night if you had substack posted about being wrong on Shapiro over Walz. He was on the Walz bandwagon from the get go. I’ll let him know what you wrote this morning. I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of this, with an obvious, “I told you so.”
Big Kudos on the Walz acknowledgment.
Citing the old adage, “nobody’s perfect” Chris! 🤷♂️😄
As a former, and still proud Minnesotan (currently hostage in Iowa) - So happy you saw Walz for his love of country, family and fellow man. For decades we've had Ivy League, and financially successful people, but maybe "heart" was missing. Tim's big Dad energy is genuine. His relatability may help expand the party and save democracy.
I'm sorry you are now a hostage in Iowa, where I grew up and still live. It didn't used to be like this.
I think this is a rare case where the VP candidate will matter a lot. I think he’s the bigger draw than Harris. And he is very reassuring in that if he thinks Harris is the right one, she must be. The football coach metaphor works here. The coach picks the players.
What a contrast to the GOP. What is their metaphor? Demolition derby and fake wrestling.
OK, I've said it before: Sometimes, the VP pick matters. If you were paying attention in 1960 (I was, but most of Chris' readers probably weren't alive in 1960 or certainly not paying attention to the conventions) you know that JFK picked LBJ and, as a result, the Dems carried Texas and won the election. Sometimes, the VP pick matters.
Yes, that's the great example, just like "The Godfather, Part II" is the example of the sequel that outshines the original. In other words, it's a rarity.
Appreciate your thoughts this morning on Walz. I was particularly moved by the obvious love of his family. A confirmation of family values which was missing from the RNC of a few weeks ago.
Behold! Kudos to you