Minnesota Governor Tim Walz revealed during a Harvard University event that Kamala Harris chose him as her vice presidential running mate because he could “code-talk to white guys watching football, fixing their trucks” — a comment that has drawn widespread criticism for being tone-deaf and demeaning.
Speaking at the Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics, Walz told moderator Brittany Shepherd that he was selected for the ticket due to his progressive record in Minnesota, but also because he could act as a “permission structure” for white, working-class men to vote for Harris.
“I knew I was on the ticket… because we did a lot of amazing, progressive things in Minnesota,” Walz said. “But I also was on the ticket — quite honestly — because I could code-talk to white guys… I could put them at ease.”
HAHAHAHAHA. Tim Walz says Kamala picked him as a running mate to give “permission” for white dudes to vote for a radical black/Indian woman:
“I could code-talk to white guys watching football, fixing their truck – I could put them at ease.”
How'd that work out for you, Tim?! pic.twitter.com/45UfpcR7lk
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 30, 2025
The remark quickly drew backlash on social media. “I’m a white guy — and have been for 53 years,” Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) wrote on X. “I have no idea what it means to ‘code talk’ to white guys.”
I’m a white guy—and have been for 53 years
I have no idea what it means to “code talk” to white guys
Please enlighten me https://t.co/euYkTWdRLb
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) April 30, 2025
Others called the comment insulting and patronizing. “How demeaning is that?”
“Code talk to white guys.” How demeaning is that? https://t.co/hDj0Xl7kPR
— Matt Morgan (@MattMorgan29A) April 30, 2025
Maryland State Delegate Matt Morgan posted. Riley Gaines, a women’s sports advocate, mocked the statement, adding, “Notice he didn’t mention he could code-talk how to load a shotgun hahahaha” — a jab at Walz’s awkward attempt to relate to gun owners during the campaign.
Notice he didn't mention he could code-talk how to load a shotgun hahahaha https://t.co/G8UF6SuSjB
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) April 30, 2025
Critics also pointed to a broader problem: the Democratic campaign’s failure to connect with everyday Americans. “Imagine thinking voters are so dumb, they simply need ‘code-talk’ from Walz,” one user commented. “Harris never offered substance and never stood apart from Biden’s disastrous record.”
Imagine thinking voters are so dumb, they simply need “code-talk” from Walz to persuade them to vote for the Dems preferred candidate. Walz/Dems fail to grasp that Harris never offered Americans any substance and never distinguished herself from Biden’s terrible record. https://t.co/Ec4eQds9fI
— Matt Frendewey (@mattfrendewey) April 30, 2025
During the campaign, Walz tried to position himself as relatable to male voters and hunters, but his awkward public moments — including struggling to load a shotgun — raised eyebrows.
This isn’t the first time Democrats have been accused of tone-deaf outreach. A recent ad from leftist group Vote Save America tried to boost Harris’s image with the line: “They’re man enough to fight a bear, eat a carburetor, and elect a woman. How about you?” That too was widely mocked online.