Minnesota Governor shocked by election loss despite optimism.
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently shared his thoughts on his unexpected defeat in the 2024 election during several local media interviews. Speaking candidly about the loss, the Democratic running mate expressed genuine surprise at the outcome, given the positive reception he had witnessed during campaign events.
Walz is 'surprised' the Harris campaign lost.
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“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, and it obviously wasn’t at the end,” Walz told KSTP.
“So yeah, I was a little surprised. I thought we had a positive message, and I thought the country was ready for that.”
Tim Walz on his loss: Americans want a less inclusive, more negative vision
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His perception of campaign momentum contrasted sharply with internal campaign data, as revealed by Harris campaign staffers on “Pod Save America,” who indicated their polling never showed them leading against former President Trump.
When questioned about whether his selection as Harris’s running mate had impacted the campaign’s success, particularly compared to other potential candidates like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Walz remained diplomatic.
“History will write that,” he responded to KSTP when asked about his impact on the ticket.
“It wasn’t my decision to make. It was the vice president’s decision,” he continued. “As I said in this campaign, when you asked the question, ‘Were there things you could have done differently?’ Since we lost, the answer is obviously yes. On this one, I did the best I could.”
Regarding his political future in Minnesota, where term limits don’t apply, Walz remained noncommittal. While ruling out a Senate run, he left the door open for another gubernatorial campaign, emphasizing the importance of public sentiment in his decision-making process.
Reflecting on the Democrats’ decisive defeat, Walz emphasized the need to better understand voter concerns, particularly economic issues. He acknowledged the stark contrast between their inclusive campaign message and the approach that ultimately prevailed.
“I think what we have to understand is the mood where people are at and understanding where they’re at,” Walz told WCCO. “I think economic issues did impact them.”
Following the election, Walz maintained a low profile nationally, though he did surface in an unusual video showing him working on his vintage BMW in his garage. The footage showed him replacing switches and discussing car modifications, a marked departure from his previous campaign presence.
The governor’s attempt at displaying mechanical prowess followed earlier campaign criticism about his struggled handling of a shotgun during a pheasant hunting expedition, despite his known enthusiasm for firearms.
