Former Minnesota Lawmakers Criticize Harris’ VP Pick Tim Walz as ‘Partisan’ and ‘Thin-Skinned’

Criticism of Tim Walz’s Leadership During the 2020 Riots

Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota and current vice presidential nominee, has faced substantial criticism from various quarters regarding his leadership during the 2020 riots in Minneapolis. The unrest, which followed the death of George Floyd, led to widespread destruction in the city and has left a lasting impact on its community.

David Hann, the chair of the Minnesota Republican Party, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Walz’s response to the riots. Hann argues that Walz’s inaction during the early days of the unrest, including his delay in calling in the National Guard, was a result of political fears. According to Hann, Walz was concerned about alienating his left-wing supporters, which he believed would be the case if he took more immediate action against the rioters.

The criticism highlights that Walz waited several days before deploying the National Guard, a delay that Hann attributes to Walz’s reluctance to counter the narrative that the riots were merely peaceful protests against police violence. This inaction, Hann asserts, allowed the situation to escalate significantly, resulting in substantial property damage and leaving many businesses and residents in a difficult situation.

Hann, who has had a long career in Minnesota politics, describes the aftermath of the riots as devastating. He mentions that downtown Minneapolis remains eerily quiet, with businesses struggling and crime rates soaring. Hann believes that Walz’s leadership failures have contributed to a decline in the city’s quality of life, with increased crime and diminished public safety.

Additionally, Hann portrays Walz as a highly partisan figure, suggesting that his political alignments and response to the riots reflect a broader pattern of divisive and ineffective governance. Hann’s criticisms are echoed by some former colleagues of Walz, who describe him as difficult to work with and quick to anger, portraying him as someone who struggles with stress and challenges.

These criticisms come at a time when Walz is under national scrutiny as he campaigns for the vice presidency. The negative assessments of his tenure as governor are part of a broader debate about his suitability for higher office. Supporters of Walz, however, point to his bipartisanship and efforts to address the issues in Minnesota, contrasting these views with the criticisms from his opponents.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Walz’s record as governor and his handling of the Minneapolis riots remain significant points of discussion in his vice presidential campaign.