Show Your Support with the Tim Walz Social Studies Shirt!

Show Your Support with the Tim Walz Social Studies Shirt!

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Could Tim Walz Go from Teaching History to Being Part of It?

By Ben Terris | August 2, 2024, at 1:58 p.m. EDT

On Tuesday night at the Urban Growler Brewing Company in St. Paul, Minn., an event that was supposed to be a fundraiser felt more like a high school reunion. Among the crowd of IPA-sipping Minnesotans, graduates of Mankato West High gathered to embrace, catch up, and listen to a speech from their favorite social studies and geography teacher.

“He’s a threat to everything we hold dear, that’s all true,” the teacher said about former president Donald Trump. “But we’ve made him bigger than he is, giving him more credit than he deserves. Minnesotans told me this: You see it, you sense it, you know, your kids know when somebody’s weird!”

For many, it was surreal that this teacher, Mr. Walz, was now Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), and that his name was on a shortlist to join Vice President Harris as her running mate after his viral comments about Republicans being “weird.”

“We were all like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is wild,’” said Ann Vote, a motivational speaker and former student of Walz who attended the fundraiser. “But I don’t think anyone is completely shocked. It’s like, ‘Darn right he’s on that list. Absolutely he should be!’”

Tim Walz’s journey from public school teacher to a potential vice-presidential candidate might seem unusual, but those who knew him during his decade of teaching in Mankato see the signs. He moved to Minnesota in 1996 from Nebraska with his wife, Gwen, who also taught at Mankato West. They were known as powerhouse teachers: she was reserved, and he was a boisterous ball of energy.

“He came in very outgoing, very gregarious,” said former social studies teacher Pat Griffiths. “If there were 100 people in a room and 99 loved him, he would work on the one who didn’t until they did too.”

Griffiths took some time to warm up to Walz, who would visit his office daily with a cup of Diet Mountain Dew despite the coffee maker being available. Walz’s charm was evident as he endeared himself to teachers, students, and even the deli counter clerk who accepted a fake gift certificate for a turkey.

Walz earned a reputation for getting the most out of people. His love of history was infectious, hosting “Jeopardy!”-style tournaments and debating current events. Former students remember his passion and energy in the classroom.

“Sometimes he would remind me of the Chris Farley character Matt Foley from SNL,” said Blake Frink, who became a geography teacher inspired by Walz. “He would get all sweaty and passionate, and that passion transferred to us.”

Students didn’t recall Walz being overly ideological, yet they weren’t surprised by his jump into politics. He decided to run for office in 2004 after he and his students were blocked from a George W. Bush rally because of a John F. Kerry sticker. He won a congressional seat in 2006 and served until becoming governor in 2018.

Walz was also the linebacker coach who helped turn a winless football team into state champions and earned the trust of his players.

“I don’t want to be dramatic, but he maybe saved my life,” said Daniel Clement, a former linebacker who found guidance and support from Walz.

Walz was the first faculty adviser to the newly formed gay-straight alliance at Mankato West, setting an example for LGBTQ students and football players alike, making the school a safe place for everyone.

Walz’s ability to “sell seemingly progressive ideas to seemingly not progressive crowds” is one of his greatest strengths, says Jacob Reitan, the first openly gay student at Mankato West.

This adaptability is why Walz is on Harris’s shortlist for a running mate. At 60, he combines youth and experience with a track record of progressive policies and military service, making him a versatile candidate.

“He is sort of all things to all people in the best way possible,” Reitan added.

Whether Harris picks him or someone else, Walz’s influence is undeniable. He plans to continue pointing out the weirdness in politics, particularly targeting vice-presidential nominee JD Vance.

“I don’t know where I end up in this,” Walz said in his speech. “But for the next 98 days, I’m going to be on him like nobody’s business.”

Election 2024 Updates:

• Vice President Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, according to sources. Trump chose Sen. JD Vance (Ohio) as his vice-presidential nominee.
• Check out The Washington Post’s presidential polling averages of seven battleground states.

More Stories from the Style Section:

• ‘Weird’ is Democrats’ most effective insult. Tim Walz was the pioneer.
• Color theory for male politicians: Am I a gold, copper or bronze?
• Could Tim Walz go from teaching history to being part of it?