Mar. 19, 2025, 11:12 pm ET
In a candid discussion on March 17, 2025, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accused Republicans of questioning his masculinity, suggesting that the attacks were driven by misogyny and a fear that he could attract male voters. The comments were made during an appearance on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s podcast, where Walz discussed various criticisms he faced during his 2024 vice-presidential run, including his use of a straw, hunting abilities, and mechanical skills.
Walz’s accusations come amid a broader political strategy to appeal to different voter demographics. He believes that the attacks on his masculinity were motivated by a desire to undermine his image and portray him as insufficiently masculine. Republicans and MAGA supporters, including Fox News hosts like Jesse Watters and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R., Ala.), have been vocal in their criticism of Walz, often ridiculing his actions and abilities.
“We buy their frame on these issues of sexuality, you know, but their whole thing was is that they spent all their time, these guys on Fox News, [saying] that ‘Walz is gay, he’s not masculine, you know, he doesn’t coach football the way he should,’” Walz said during the podcast. He further added, “I believe I intimidate them somewhat, which is the reason they devote so much attention to me.”
Walz faced ridicule over his use of a straw, his hunting skills, and mechanical abilities. He was also criticized for his gestures towards crowds and his handling of a shotgun during a campaign video. In response, Walz aimed to enhance his masculine image by highlighting his history as a high school football coach, mechanic, and gun owner. He even challenged his opponent, JD Vance, to demonstrate his ability to change a tire.
Social media users have also joined the fray, reviving previous attack lines and calling him “Tampon Tim” while questioning his handling of a shotgun. The backlash has been intense, with users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) criticizing Walz’s comments and reviving old attack lines. Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, has also criticized Walz’s recent comments and his post-election activities.
Despite the criticism, Walz has indicated that he would “certainly consider” a 2028 presidential run. His comments and the ensuing debate highlight the ongoing political discourse around masculinity and its role in political campaigns. As the political landscape continues to evolve, these discussions are likely to influence public perception and future campaign strategies.
Walz’s town hall tour in GOP districts and the broader debate on gender roles and political appeal are part of a larger trend in political strategy. The use of masculinity as a campaign tool is not new, but it remains a contentious issue. How these comments and the ensuing debate will impact Walz’s political future and the Democratic Party’s strategy remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Walz’s accusations and the Republican response continue to dominate the political conversation, with both sides digging in on their positions. The ongoing debate underscores the complexities of modern political campaigns and the role of gender in shaping public perception.
Background on the Criticisms
During the 2024 presidential election cycle, Walz faced a barrage of criticisms from Republicans and MAGA supporters. Fox News hosts, in particular, were vocal in their attacks, often questioning his masculinity and abilities. Jesse Watters, a prominent Fox News host, famously said, “Women love masculinity, and women do not love Tim Walz, so that should just tell you about how masculine Tim Walz is.”
Walz’s use of a straw during a public event became a focal point for critics, who saw it as a sign of weakness. His hunting abilities and mechanical skills were also scrutinized, with Republicans suggesting that he was not rugged enough to represent their values. Social media users piled on, creating memes and using derogatory nicknames like “Tampon Tim” to mock him.
Walz’s Response and Strategy
In response to the criticism, Walz has sought to reassert his masculine image. He has highlighted his background as a high school football coach, mechanic, and gun owner, aiming to present himself as a strong and capable leader. During a campaign event, he challenged his opponent, JD Vance, to demonstrate his ability to change a tire, a move that was seen as a direct response to the criticisms of his mechanical skills.
Walz’s strategy appears to be twofold: to address the criticisms head-on and to use them as an opportunity to connect with voters who might be swayed by traditional notions of masculinity. By emphasizing his background and skills, he aims to present himself as a leader who can appeal to a broad range of voters, including those who might be skeptical of his masculinity.
The Role of Masculinity in Politics
The debate over Walz’s masculinity is part of a larger trend in political campaigns, where gender roles and expectations often play a significant part. Candidates often use their perceived masculinity or femininity as a way to appeal to voters, with some going so far as to emphasize traditional gender roles in their campaigns.
For Walz, the criticisms of his masculinity present a challenge, but also an opportunity. By addressing the criticisms directly and using them to highlight his strengths, he aims to present himself as a leader who can appeal to a broad range of voters. The ongoing debate over his masculinity is likely to continue, but it remains to be seen how it will impact his political future and the Democratic Party’s strategy.
Future Political Ambitions
Despite the criticism and backlash, Walz has indicated that he would “certainly consider” a 2028 presidential run. His comments and the ensuing debate highlight the ongoing political discourse around masculinity and its role in political campaigns. As the political landscape continues to evolve, these discussions are likely to influence public perception and future campaign strategies.
Walz’s town hall tour in GOP districts and the broader debate on gender roles and political appeal are part of a larger trend in political strategy. The use of masculinity as a campaign tool is not new, but it remains a contentious issue. How these comments and the ensuing debate will impact Walz’s political future and the Democratic Party’s strategy remains to be seen.
