Tim Walz's "big dad energy" wins hearts across the internet
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Kamala Harris and Tim Walz during a campaign event on Aug. 6 in Philadelphia. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Even before Vice President Kamala Harris officially picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, social media was replete with memes hailing him as "everyone's Midwestern dad."
Why it matters: The internet's embrace of Walz's affable nature and everyman appeal further highlights the contrast between the Republican and Democratic tickets in the 2024 race when it comes to appealing to young voters.
The big picture: In the weeks since Walz's stock began rising in the veepstakes, wholesome photos of him dancing, holding a sleeping piglet, and happily being hugged by a group of children have circulated on social media.
- Walz's humorous posts about his pets have also won him fans on the internet.
- Users have also resurfaced an old video of Walz with his daughter Hope at the Minnesota State Fair, in which the duo adorably quibble about what they'll eat and then take a turn on "the most extreme ride" at the fair.
- In another video, Walz and his daughter call attention to the state's new hands-free driving law. "I think it's mostly bald men," Hope quips after Walz says they hope to keep teens from texting and driving.
State of play: "Midwestern dad energy absolutely off the charts," one user posted on X, while "BigDadEnergy" trended on Threads.
- "I just know Tim Walz could teach me how to drive stick shift without making me cry once," author Carrie Courogen posted on X.
- Walz's videos offering advice on how to fix car issues have spawned countless jokes about the practical advice he'd offer.
- "Potential running mate Tim Walz spotted outside VP Kamala Harris' residence 'tweaking the lawn mower's carburetor' because he 'didn't like that darn knocking sound it was making,'" one user posted on X earlier this week.
- Another user wrote that Walz's interview for vice president with Harris would begin with "him being asked about national security and the tax code and end with him wearing a headlamp up in the attic fixing some old wiring."
- Even "The Daily Show" got in on the joke, saying that Walz would change the oil on a drone to avoid being charged "an arm and a leg" by the Pentagon.
Between the lines: A number of social media users have hailed the governor as the dad they wished they had.
Zoom out: Like Walz, large swaths of the internet welcomed Harris' ascension on the Democratic ticket with memes and fancam videos.
- The campaign's ability to play into the social media deluge underscored the fact that a younger candidate — one more in touch with young voters online — had taken over the ticket.
- On the other hand, former President Trump's running mate Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) has already faced the internet's ire — and mockery — over his comments about "childless cat ladies" and false rumors about Vance and a couch.
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