Weighing in on Walz

Plus, an inspiring summit.

August 08, 2024

The Flag

Good morning and Happy Thursday! Here are the Flag’s Top Five stories that should be on your radar to start the day:

  • US: Rep. Cori Bush loses Democratic primary after campaign onslaught from pro-Israel groups (NBC News)

  • World: State Dept calls for Israel to investigate allegations of ‘horrific’ sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees (CNN)

  • Business: Disney's theme park business under pressure (Fox Business)

  • Technology: Apple is considering launching the iPhone 16 lineup in Korea earlier than usual due to weakening demand in China (MacRumors)

  • Sports: Michigan committed NCAA violations in football program (NCAA)

And of course, some good news: Climber with stage 4 colon cancer summits Yosemite's Half Dome with an inspiring message: 'I did this for a reason.'

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Left: J.D. Vance’s New Attack on Tim Walz Proves Irony Is Dead, Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling, The New Republic

Right: Line Up, White Boys!, Adam Ellwanger, The American Mind

Right: How the GOP Can Beat Kamala Harris, Peter Navarro, Washington Times

2024

Weighing in on Walz

Today’s Top Story in One Sentence: Following the announcement of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz being chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, platforms across the spectrum have quickly drawn several different takes on his political career.

Reporting from the Left: Who is Tim Walz? The governor with a history of winning over Republicans (The Guardian)

Reporting from the Right: Kamala Harris' VP pick: What to know about Tim Walz's economic track record (Fox Business)

LEFT-LEANING SENTIMENT

A Joyful, Hopeful Shift for Democrats

The Top Argument From The Left: Happy warriors Harris and Walz propose an antidote to Trump’s American carnage, Stephen Collinson, CNN: “Kamala Harris and Tim Walz want to make America joyful again. The vice president’s rocking rollout of her running mate on Tuesday sent jolts of energy through a huge crowd, as the pair personified the extraordinary transformation of the 2024 election campaign. Such a scene would have been unthinkable even three weeks ago — in a Democratic Party that believed it was doomed to a disastrous defeat as an aged president resentfully faced a revolt that ultimately ended his reelection bid. Yet inside Temple University’s packed basketball arena in Philadelphia, activists and Harris supporters beamed smiles of deliverance, marveling at the turn of events and a second chance against Donald Trump they can barely believe. … This message is a mirror image of Trump’s political method, which relies on tugging at the fault lines of US society for political gain. Walz rammed home the point, as if anyone in the packed arena filled by roaring cheers had missed it. “Thank you for bringing back the joy,” he told his new boss, as he riffed through a series of dad jokes about Trump and his running mate…”

Honorable Mention #2: Tim Walz Is a Great Sign for Workers, Timothy Noah, The New Republic.

RIGHT-LEANING SENTIMENT

A Radical Leftist in Pleasant Packaging

The Top Argument From The Right: Tim Walz, ‘Folksy’ Socialist, David Harsanyi, The Federalist: “Kamala Harris’ vice presidential pick is a dedicated cultural and economic leftist who happens to inhabit the body of an average middle-aged bowling team drinking buddy. And because he doesn’t live in DC or NYC, the political media has settled on a non-threatening description. Who doesn’t like folksy? Virtually every major media piece on Walz is identical in its glowing tone and content, stressing his down-home everyman appeal while deemphasizing his insane record. Then again, as Walz says, ‘one person’s socialism is another person’s neighborliness.’ … Like Harris, the folksy Minnesota governor has proposed socializing health insurance and eliminating fossil fuels. Like Harris, Walz wants to effectively decriminalize illegal immigration by signing laws to pay for the health care and tuition of illegals, and allow them to have driver’s licenses. Like Harris, Walz has taken a maximalist position on abortion, signing a bill codifying the procedure as a ‘fundamental right’ into the ninth month, on demand with no questions asked. Walz also signed a bill that let’s children with gender dysphoria be mutilated by doctors.”

Honorable Mention #1: A Minnesotan Sizes Up Tim Walz, Scott W. Johnson, The Wall Street Journal.

Honorable Mention #2: How Tim Walz Spent Your Money, Dominic Pino, National Review.

FLAG THIS

Initial Polling

Following the announcement, a YouGov survey revealed that Americans are divided on Walz as Harris’s running mate. According to the poll, 35% of Americans consider Walz to be a “good” or “best possible” pick, while an equal percentage remain uncertain. Only 16% view him as a “bad” or “worst possible” choice. Among Democrats, enthusiasm is high, with 61% endorsing him as a good or the best pick, and just 2% disagreeing. Independents are more divided, with 29% viewing Walz positively and 15% negatively. (The Hill)

Republicans are more critical of the choice, with 34% labeling Walz as a bad or worst pick, while only 12% see him as a good or best choice. Notably, 40% of Republicans are unsure. The survey also indicates that nearly half of all respondents (45%) lack sufficient information to form an opinion about Walz. Overall, 35% of Americans hold at least a somewhat favorable view of the governor, whereas 20% have an unfavorable opinion. (YouGov)

As the campaign progresses, Walz's favorability among the general American public will...

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WATERCOOLER

Wrigley Lights Up, Pickle Juice, Honey Forever

On August 8, 1988, the Chicago Cubs host the first night game in the history of Wrigley Field.

Today I learned honey never expires.

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Hands Down Some of the Best Credit Cards for Balance Transfers

Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? Yes, it sounds crazy. But it’s true. The secret: Find a card with a “0% intro APR" period for balance transfers. Then, transfer your debt balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period. No interest means you could pay off the debt faster. Check out the full list of cards you can use to do this here.

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