David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist, praised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for his performance during the Democratic ticket’s debut event, highlighting Walz’s ability to deliver impactful critiques with a touch of “gentle humor” that resonated well with the audience.
Axelrod remarked on CNN that Walz’s approach was emblematic of the “Midwest nice” philosophy, describing how Walz managed to strike remarkable blows against the GOP ticket while maintaining a light-hearted tone that effectively engaged listeners.
During the rally in Philadelphia, Walz criticized former President Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, accusing them of being “creepy” and “weird.” His comments, which framed the Trump campaign as “weird,” elicited strong applause from the crowd.
Walz also targeted Vance by pointing out his elite background, contrasting it with the experiences of average Midwesterners. He described Vance’s career and educational background as disconnected from the realities of middle America.
Axelrod observed that the Democrats had a successful evening, noting the “joyful and positive” atmosphere at the event. He contrasted this with a perceived decline in Trump’s confidence, which had been evident in his recent communications.
“There’s a palpable sense of opportunity,” Axelrod said, while acknowledging that it remains to be seen if Trump’s current negative campaign strategy will prove effective. He suggested that Trump might need to pivot from outdated arguments to remain competitive.