A new wave of enthusiasm is sweeping through social media as young users rally around Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has been affectionately dubbed “America’s dad” in light of his candidacy alongside Vice President Kamala Harris. His approachable, down-to-earth style has resonated with many, particularly women who feel he embodies the father figure that has been lost in the current political climate.
In a viral TikTok, user @pamelawurstvetrini voiced her appreciation for Walz, stating, “He represents the dad that a lot of liberal women lost.” According to her, a demographic shift in political attitudes over the past decade has created a disconnect between millennial women and their fathers, particularly as polarization has increased since Trump’s presidency.
Another TikTok user, @HotTakesPoliticsGirl, echoed this sentiment, reminiscing about how fathers once exuded kindness and joy, only to become overshadowed by anger and paranoia over the years. Walz’s candidacy seems to offer a form of emotional healing for these women.
However, the Trump campaign paints a different picture, accusing Walz of pushing a “dangerously liberal agenda.” Karoline Leavitt, the campaign’s press secretary, criticized Walz by saying, “When the cameras are off, he believes that rural America is ‘mostly cows and rocks.'” The effectiveness of this attack remains to be seen.
Supporters like Vetrini view Walz as an “altruistic character” who shifted his values in response to his party’s changes. Since his announcement as Harris’s VP pick, his family moments and relatable images—like one of him holding a piglet at the Minnesota State Fair—have resonated widely, portraying him as a symbol of normalcy.
Walz’s political journey began with a successful flip of a Republican district before becoming governor. A former geography and social studies teacher as well as a football coach, he is remembered fondly by students as one of the most beloved educators in his community.
Now married to educator Gwen Walz and a father of two, Walz demonstrated his caring nature during a recent rally when he paused his speech to assist a spectator feeling overwhelmed by the heat.
“He’s just chill and normal and kind and sensible,” remarked Vetrini, capturing what many see as the essence of Walz—a stark contrast to the divisive narrative that pervades today’s politics.