November 2, 2024
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, is once again in the social media spotlight—this time for an awkward and inflammatory comment seemingly aimed at Elon Musk. During a campaign event in Detroit on Friday, Walz appeared to fumble his words when referencing Musk, causing an internet storm and drawing heavy criticism from conservatives and free speech advocates.
The comment unfolded as Walz was discussing tax cuts for billionaires. When he shifted focus to Musk, he blurted out, “If you’re a billionaire, Elon Musk for example, say, that gah…that gay got….” Walz then smirked and told the crowd, “Michigan knows that word.” He quickly corrected himself to “that dude,” but the damage was done. The moment has sparked heated debates on social media, with conservative commentators, including Ian Miles Cheong, questioning Walz’s intentions.
While Walz’s comment was likely an awkward flub—turning “that guy got” into “that gay got”—his smirk and attempt to double down after the error have added fuel to the controversy. “Instead of correcting himself, Walz went along with it,” Cheong commented on X (formerly Twitter), “and that makes his intentions look worse.”
The incident marks the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Walz, who has faced backlash over his public statements, including disparaging remarks about Musk last week and other high-profile stumbles on the campaign trail. Walz’s comments add further scrutiny to Harris’s decision to choose him as her running mate, sidelining other Democratic candidates, like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
The public’s reaction on social media has been swift and severe. Many have condemned Walz’s comments as unprofessional, with some pointing to his history of controversial statements and branding him a “liability” for the Harris campaign. Musk, known for his outspoken personality, has not responded publicly, though his supporters have flooded social media with criticism directed at Walz.
This latest controversy also adds to the complexities of Walz’s political career, including questions around his past connections with Chinese officials and his stance on foreign policy. As the backlash against Walz’s comments continues to build, the Democratic campaign finds itself grappling with the fallout of yet another misstep by Harris’s vice-presidential pick.
For Democrats, Walz’s presence on the ticket may bring more risk than reward. His history of blunders and confrontations risks overshadowing Harris’s messaging and creates an unnecessary distraction in the final days leading to the election.
As the campaign progresses, the focus may shift to whether Harris can contain further fallout from Walz’s public appearances or whether these controversies will have lasting effects on her presidential bid.
Sources:
WHAT!?!
Did Tim Walz really just call @elonmusk a “gay guy” in a derogatory manner?
Last time I checked, there are 12 children of Elons that disprove this claim.
Walz will lie about anything! pic.twitter.com/jCVPLB7ltk
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) November 1, 2024
