The joyful Minnesota governor is a valuable spokesperson for Harris whose background and personality can help the Democratic ticket undermine Trumpā€™s efforts to woo Americaā€™s men.

Tim Walzā€™sĀ first official speechĀ on the Democratic ticket displayed all the reasons thatĀ Kamala HarrisĀ has been lauded for picking the Minnesota governor as her running mate. Personally, I think one outshines all the rest.

Walzā€™s military background and his work as a high school teacher and football coach, along with his palpable joy andĀ open expressions of compassion for people in need, offer America a vision of what manhood can look like ā€” heā€™s a ā€œjoyful warriorā€ offering a vision in contrast with whatā€™s being offered by Donald Trumpā€™s bravado-driven campaign.

And heā€™s clearly willing to challenge Team Trump on that front. He displayed that even before he received the call to join Harrisā€™ campaign, using public appearances to refer to Trump and his allies asĀ ā€œbulliesā€ who are truly weak at heartĀ and by mocking the GOP ticket for ā€œrunning for He-Man Women Haters Club or something.ā€

  • The Quuuuuill
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    4ā€¢1 month ago

    Youā€™re still missing the point. The ā€œvision of what manhood can look likeā€ isnā€™t his military service or his football coaching. Itā€™s everything that isnā€™t that. Itā€™s realizing that things that traditionally have or havenā€™t existed in the commonly accepted vision of what manhood is donā€™t have to be. Itā€™s recognizing that Tim Walz self identifies as man, and he lives an authentic life that includes all manner of interests and cares that arenā€™t ā€œtraditionally manly.ā€ The first step to realizing that manhood is socially constructed is celebrating men who are vast pools beyond that. You and I already know that, but America at large doesnā€™t. Itā€™s like how Auntie Diaries is an extremely progressive rap song while being basically where weā€™ve been since at least a decade. Itā€™s not so much about where everyone is, but about where everyone is.

    • queermunist she/her
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      -1ā€¢1 month ago

      Youā€™re missing my point, which is that he is recognized for his military service and coaching as a way to justify his other qualities.

      If he was a professional dancer and long time peace activist he would not be celebrated as manly or daddy.