Tim Walz is Redefining Masculinity in a Way That Makes Trump Look Pathetic

[babylonsister]

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/10/24/2279139/-Tim-Walz-is-Redefining-Masculinity-in-a-Way-That-Makes-Trump-Look-Pathetic

Tim Walz is Redefining Masculinity in a Way That Makes Trump Look Pathetic
Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 7:32:41a EDT
Health Carewatcher


If you don't pay close attention, it's hard to notice exactly what Tim Walz is doing. The result has been left behind Democratic consultants trashing Tim Walz at every opportunity. But if you pay attention, you'd find that Tim Walz is effectively redefining masculinity and creating a permission structure for men (especially young men) to vote for the nation's first woman President. He's so good at it that the Russians are running smear campaigns against him.

snip//

A key facet of Tim Walz' biography is that he was the football coach who walked into that culture and helped students form the straight-gay alliance. He preached tolerance and inclusion and actively tore down a homophobic and bigoted culture. There are LGBTQ running clubs, soccer teams and football teams in rec leagues around the country because guys like Tim Walz tore down a bigoted culture in the mid-2000s and 2010s.

When I was watching Tim Walz' interview with Kate Mackz, I realized that he's selling a version of masculinity that is extremely dangerous to Trump. Instead of blaming transgender women for the problems of young men, the way Trump does, Walz is articulating an inclusive vision of masculinity. One where everyone has their place, and using his story to sell it. Struggling to pay for college? I did too, Walz says, I joined the National Guard. Having a hard time finding a job? Become a teacher, the way I did. Having a hard time staying in shape and feeling isolated? Yeah, I did too, I picked up running and met great people Walz says. Essentially he's showing men how they can lead normal lives without being a raving lunatic like Trump, and how that leads to happiness.

Donald Trump, who was born rich and has zero understanding of the economic struggles that are driving the despair of many young men, can't really respond to this positive vision of masculinity. The result was Russian smears distributed on Elon Musk's slander factory. That effort failed and backfired spectacularly, but the fact they did it tells you just how to effective Walz has been. Walz' quiet redefining of masculinity to be more inclusive exposed how Trump's hate and anger leads to the isolation and loneliness that many men are feeling and frustrated with, and how Trump wants to use this hate and anger to get elected but doesn't actually want to solve the underlying problems of income inequality and social isolation.

And for reporters who complain about not getting interviews with Walz, take up running. Once you can average 9:16 a mile for 10 miles the way Walz did three years ago at age 57, you too can run with Tim Walz.

[Delarage]

1. And he doesn't talk about people's penises

I was watching the clip of 45 talking about Arnold Palmer---the idiot MAGATs behind him (minus one child) all laughed along. I'm a solid D voter, but if I went to a Walz rally and he said "You know, I heard Bruce Springsteen has a big d---" I'm pretty sure I'd be like "WTF?" and would have to go process that information. The camera would catch me blanking out with a confused/disturbed look.

Tim is a great man; Kamala is a great woman; they are a great team and I'm looking forward to them leading us. Hopefully 45 keels over during their term so we never have to hear from him again.

[Easterncedar]

2. He is a wonderful antidote to that toxic masculinity that's so commonly celebrated now

I really like Tim!

[BoRaGard]

3. Republicans are afraid of real men

They just like to flex and posture and pretend, but they are a flaccid pack of poltroons.

[Jmb 4 Harris-Walz]

4. Kate Mackz' running interview with Tim Walz mentioned above -- hadn't heard of this interview checked it out...

[BonnieJW]

11. How

can anyone find fault with this man??? Salt of the earth. A true *mensch*

[Docreed2003]

5. I adore Tim Walz, and my kids do as well

I think he was a perfect choice as a running mate to VP Harris. Everyone in our house refers to him as "coach" and I'm grateful that my son has a political figure to look up to like Tim Walz as an example of healthy masculinity in a culture that celebrates far too much toxicity.

[2naSalit]

9. He's genuine...

Role model material!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

6. tRump makes HIMSELF look pathetic!!

[malaise]

7. He is a great. Pickfor VP

A genuine down to earth human being - the word is authentic

[ProudMNDemocrat]

8. THis is the Tim Walz I have had the pleasure to know since early 2005.

Tim is down to earth, direct, yet speaks in an uplifting manner. He has attributes of genuineness that are hard to come by and takes years to accumulate.

He has expressed his opinions about a person in politics, but never in a denigrating way. The Teacher and Coach in him learned quickly that building people up, builds you up. As a Command Sargent Major, leadership is setting examples and walking point.(A military term to signify that you are willing to be exposed to danger to spare your platoon.) As a Member of the US House, knowing that legislating is hard. Respecting people outside of Politics that is Washington can either make you stronger or despondent. Tim grew stronger and more confident to take those lessons to St. Paul.

It was the 2018 DFL State Convention in Rochester, where I was a Walz delegate for Governor, the DFL endorsed another candidate for Governor. At Tim's urging, and he was right about this, I voted NON-Committed. Tim went on to face then candidate for Governor State Senator Erin Murphy in the August Primary. Tim knew in his heart he was the better candidate who could communicate the need to continue on the success of Mark Dayton and expand on it. The rest is history. In 2022, Tim handily defeated Scott Jensen.

How I know Tim will make a terrific governing partner for Kamala Harris, HIS LIFE and Political experiences! This man has a level headed on his shoulders. He calls out bullshit when he sees and hears it. He does not have to prove his masculinity, he is it by being himself. His confidence is not arrogance. Kamala picked a running mate that has all the attribute(Virtues) of a Leader...Wisdom, Fortitude, Temperance, and Justice.

If any of Tim's staff reads this post, word will get back too my dear friend. HE KNOWS who I am.

[niyad]

10. "Democratic consultants trashing Tim at every opportunity"??? What am I

missing?