How the Trump campaign intends to shape Tim Walz’s image

Donald Trump’s campaign is working to portray Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as someone who will shift the Democratic presidential ticket further to the left, focusing on his past record and recent policies. They aim to emphasize Walz’s alignment with progressive values and his support for Biden administration policies.

The campaign has been gathering opposition research, targeting Walz’s 12 years in Congress and his more recent actions as governor. They plan to highlight his progressive stances on issues like border policy, gun control, and economic policies, while connecting him to controversial figures like Representative Ilhan Omar and critiquing his handling of civil unrest following George Floyd’s death.

Despite past support from the NRA and a record of moderate positions, the Trump campaign will emphasize Walz’s recent progressive measures, including his support for abortion rights, gender-affirming care, and clean energy initiatives. The campaign will also scrutinize his role in civil unrest and link him to perceived far-left policies.

In response, the Harris campaign is framing Walz’s selection as a positive choice, highlighting his diverse background and commitment to working families, while contrasting it with Trump’s agenda.

The Trump campaign’s aggressive messaging strategy is now in full swing.

As soon as CNN and other news outlets reported that Harris had chosen Walz, the Trump campaign quickly launched a fundraising push, branding the Minnesota governor as the potential “worst VP in history.”

One fundraising text warned that Walz would “UNLEASH HELL ON EARTH!” and claimed he was raising millions to defeat MAGA.

Trump himself commented on Truth Social, describing Harris and Walz as “the most Radical Left duo in American history.”

The campaign also released a new video, described as the first “reaction ad” to the selection, portraying Walz as a mere supporter of Harris’s “dangerously liberal agenda.” The ad, which has been promoted on social media, is expected to be part of a broader advertising campaign, though specific details about its airing have not been disclosed.

Linking Walz to Bernie Sanders

Congressional Republicans criticized Walz, who served a conservative rural district in the House that has been largely Republican before and after his time, by labeling him as “radical.” They particularly highlighted Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ endorsement of Walz and his response to the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.

House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik stated, “Kamala Harris’ selection of Tim Walz as her running mate confirms that the Democrat Party will endorse the most extreme Far Left-wing ticket in history.”

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham added, “To the American people: If you had any doubt about Kamala Harris’ liberal stance, her VP pick being endorsed by Bernie Sanders should erase it.”

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst also supported this view, referring to Walz as “Bernie Sanders’ choice for VP.”