Caucasian Whisperer: Tim Walz says he was chosen by Harris for ability to ‘code-talk to white guys’

Caucasian Whisperer: Tim Walz says he was chosen by Harris for ability to ‘code-talk to white guys’

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said in a recent interview that he was selected as a surrogate by then-candidate Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential campaign because of his ability to connect with white, working-class men — particularly those who “watch football” and “fix trucks.”

Speaking on the role he played during Harris’s campaign, Walz said, “I could code-talk to white guys watching football, fixing their truck. I was the permission structure to say, ‘Look, you can do this and vote for this.’”

Key Points

  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz discussed his role in Kamala Harris’s 2020 campaign.
  • Walz said he was chosen to reach working-class white male voters.
  • He expressed continued frustration over Harris’s failure to gain traction despite qualifications.

The comment, made in a public forum, has drawn renewed attention as Walz reflects on Harris’s unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination. Harris dropped out of the race before the primaries, later becoming Joe Biden’s vice presidential running mate.

Walz also expressed his disbelief that Harris, whom he described as the “most qualified person” in the 2020 Democratic field, struggled to connect with broader voting blocs. “I’m still shocked that America didn’t vote for the most qualified person,” he said.

While some have interpreted Walz’s remarks as a candid acknowledgment of campaign strategy, others have criticized the phrasing as reductive or overly generalized.

Campaign strategy and demographic targeting

Political campaigns often rely on a variety of surrogates to appeal to diverse voter groups. Walz’s reference to his ability to “code-talk” suggests a strategic focus on reaching white, male, blue-collar voters — a demographic that has proven pivotal in past presidential elections.

Neither Harris nor her campaign staff have publicly responded to Walz’s comments as of Tuesday.

Tim Walz says his job was to help white men feel comfortable voting for Kamala Harris.