When someone suddenly becomes a public figure, it’s common for people to delve into their online past. But what happened with Tim Walz, newly announced as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, was unusual: nearly everything found about him online was surprisingly wholesome.
A favorite from my Walz archive. pic.twitter.com/IXOzUnRne1
— Matt Wagenius (@mattwagenius) August 5, 2024
In the weeks following his viral appearances on MSNBC, Walz has not only secured the Democratic nomination for vice president but has also become the internet’s collective Midwestern dad, favorite high school teacher, and the embodiment of the progressive ideals many have been yearning for—a candidate exuding genuinely positive vibes.
This summer, there’s been a lot of talk about political “vibes,” starting with the negative ones surrounding President Joe Biden’s debate performance in June and the strange energy around former President Donald Trump’s VP pick, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, whose fringe social views alienated a large number of voters.
With Biden out of the race and Harris’s campaign in full swing, it seemed like Democrats were enjoying themselves for the first time in recent memory. Across the internet, Harris was being transformed into memes, often humorously paired with Charli XCX’s hit summer album, contrasting her “fun aunt” persona. The Harris campaign embraced the humor, and suddenly, the Republicans, who had been criticizing her for laughing and dancing, were seen as the ones unable to take a joke—a role typically associated with politically correct liberals.
In addition to Walz’s wholesome image, such as photos of him cradling a piglet or videos of children hugging him after he signed a bill for free school meals, financial disclosures reveal that Walz doesn’t own any stocks, only investing in pensions—reinforcing his image as an average Joe without a hefty retirement fund.
Personal stories from those who know him have flooded the internet, painting a picture of a man who is as helpful and kind as he seems. One former colleague recalled how Walz turned a prank—a fake gift certificate for a free turkey—into reality by actually walking away with a turkey. “That’s just Tim Walz,” she said.
wow I can't believe we're getting a Fun Ticket. a good vibes ticket. like being at a wedding when the aunts start to dance https://t.co/Sux2S1GViR
— Kylie Brakeman (@deadeyebrakeman) August 6, 2024
This kind of wholesomeness is embraced online, but as digital and political strategist Gina DiVittorio told Vox, Walz’s good vibes are only meaningful because they’re supported by his track record, including pushing through progressive policies in Minnesota, such as paid family leave, a 100% clean energy mandate by 2040, and labor protections.
The discourse around Walz has less to do with how he might help Harris win and more with the genuine emotional connection he inspires. Many online praise him for exemplifying “positive and kind masculinity,” and share how moved they were to learn that he volunteered as his high school’s gay-straight alliance faculty adviser to combat bullying. A TikTok video that went viral even suggested that Walz represents the father some people feel they lost to Fox News, evoking personal stories of familial division due to conservative politics.
For many disillusioned young left-leaning voters, Walz, despite being only slightly more progressive than Biden, feels like a breath of fresh air—a leader who didn’t let accusations of socialism prevent him from enacting popular policies.
While the positive vibes around Walz might not last—especially once he faces tough questions on issues like Israel’s war in Gaza or echoes Harris’s stance on border security—they’ve certainly had an impact. The Harris campaign has leaned into Walz’s persona, introducing him as “Coach Walz” and even making subtle digs at Vance with posts about Walz’s love of cats.
The excitement isn’t just online chatter; within hours of announcing Walz as VP, the Harris campaign raised over $20 million, doubling the next day. A Harris-Walz camo cap, referencing pop star Chappell Roan’s merch and Walz’s love of hunting, sold out in 30 minutes, generating nearly a million dollars in sales.
Though good vibes don’t always translate directly into poll numbers, they do play a crucial role in energizing voters. Whether these positive vibes will be enough to carry Walz to the vice presidency remains to be seen.