In his first post-election interview, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz shared his astonishment over losing the presidential race with Kamala Harris against Donald Trump.
The Guardian reported that Walz, in a revealing interview with KSTP, disclosed his unexpected reaction to the November 5 election outcome.
Despite a sense of growing momentum during the campaign, Walz and his running mate, Kamala Harris, did not secure the presidency, losing to Donald Trump.
Reflecting on the campaign, Walz admitted, “I was a little surprised,” highlighting the positive interactions and support felt at various campaign events.
The campaign kicked off with enthusiasm on August 6, when Harris selected Walz as her vice-presidential candidate.
This announcement was made at Temple University, marking a significant moment shared with levity between the two candidates.
“She turns to me and she says: ‘Well, let’s not screw this up,’” Walz recalled, a comment that lightened the mood before they faced the public and press together for the first time.
Walz, known for his Midwestern roots and history as a high school football coach, initially garnered substantial popularity. His relatable persona resonated well with many voters along the campaign trail.
However, as the campaign advanced, Walz's visibility and perceived effectiveness began to wane, especially when compared to his Republican counterpart, JD Vance.
This shift in perception might have influenced the election's final results, where the Republican ticket secured a decisive victory in both electoral and popular votes.
Walz commented on the campaign’s dynamics, stating, “It felt like at the rallies, at the things I was going to, the shops I was going in, that the momentum was going our way.” Despite this perceived momentum, the final vote favored Trump with a 312-226 electoral margin and 49.9% of the popular vote.
When questioned about possible missteps, Walz acknowledged, “Since we lost, the answer is obviously yes,” suggesting that in hindsight, different decisions might have been made.
Discussing the impact of his vice-presidential run, Walz shared, “It was a privilege to do that,” emphasizing the unique opportunity to engage with voters nationwide.
This extensive travel and interaction offered him a broader perspective on the country’s political landscape and the electorate's concerns.
“I thought we had a positive message, and I thought the country was ready for that,” he reflected on the campaign’s overarching message, indicating a belief in the readiness for change among the electorate.
Returning to his role as governor, Walz expressed a renewed focus and appreciation for his responsibilities in Minnesota. “Coming back here now and having the privilege to do this work feels really good,” he noted, signaling a positive transition back to state governance.
