In a recent interview aired on “The Late Show,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) claimed that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, is unsettling former President Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio).
Ocasio-Cortez suggested that Trump and Vance appear to believe they hold a monopoly on traditional masculinity. She described Walz, a former football coach and head of a gay-straight alliance, as challenging this notion. “Walz is questioning their approach, showing that there are alternative ways to be a respectable man in America,” she told Stephen Colbert.
Walz’s characterization of Trump and Vance as “weird” has resonated with many Democrats, though it has been met with strong rebuttals from the Trump camp. At a recent event, Trump dismissed Walz’s comment, labeling him as “weird” and suggesting that both he and Vance are more “normal.” Trump also criticized Walz and Vice President Harris, indicating they exhibit behaviors that are more than just “weird,” describing them as bordering on insanity.
During this week’s Democratic National Convention, Walz and Harris received remarkable attention and enthusiastic support, energizing the Democratic base. Their nominations, following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race, have stirred considerable excitement within the party.
Conversely, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung criticized the Democratic National Convention as lacking substance and primarily focused on personal attacks, contrary to what he described as Trump’s positive vision for the country.
In response, a spokesperson for Vance accused Ocasio-Cortez, Harris, and Walz of endorsing extreme liberal policies that have allegedly driven up costs and exacerbated issues like illegal drug trafficking. They specifically condemned Walz for supporting legislation allowing parental rights to be revoked over gender transition treatments, portraying such policies as detrimental to American values and unworthy of another four years in office.