In one first report of the day, we reported on the latest polling for Trump as well as the reception Trump received at the Alabama-Georgia game.
It was quite different than the reaction Walz received while attending the Michigan-Minnesota game.
Talking Points…
- Walz heckled by fans
- Walz booed
- Analysis
Attending a college football game is usually good press for a candidate, and we have seen Trump take advantage of this numerous times, and I am sure Trump will be attending a few more games before election day.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz attempted to do the same thing, but it did not work out to sell for him. Walz went to Michigan for the game against Minnesota, his home state, and fans were not exactly happy to see him. As you can see in the video below, Walz was greeted with Trump chants and boos. But really pay attention to Walz's gesture as he is leaving the stadium…
Tim Walz gets heckled by students at the Michigan - Minnesota game
“TRUMP 2024 BABY!!!” pic.twitter.com/fOU7HrEeot
— Old Row (@OldRowOfficial) September 29, 2024
Now, I have seen some still shots that show him just pointing, but it looks like he is flipping off some fans in that video. That may have been manipulated, but regardless, it was pretty clear the people at the game were not exactly happy with Walz being there. If that reception was an inclination of how Michigan is leaning right now, that is not a good sign for the Harris campaign.
Walz's experience outside of the stadium was not much better. At one point, Walz's motorcade was stopped at a light where fans were crossing the intersection. You could see them walking out into the street, telling him to get out of their town.
Walz did not make matters any better by complimenting Michigan after the game. He posted:
"I'll always be a Minnesota guy. But after meeting some great people at the Big House, I must admit – Michiganders know how to host a good game day."
Walz received criticism from numerous people for not showing loyalty to Minnesota, especially after the team lost the game to Michigan.
If we compare what happened to Walz to what took place when Trump visited, it would seem that the college crowd is significantly behind Trump, which would be crushing for Democrats. The party has owned younger voters in past elections, and if they lose their grip on this demographic in the same way they are losing their grip on minorities, their party is toast.
Walz will have another chance to make a better impression on the nation this week when he faces off against JD Vance in the vice presidential debate. I expect Vance to hammer Walz on his record, and I expect Walz to try to "aw shucks" his way through the criticism. I don't expect this debate to be a significant mover regarding the election. Having said that, I still believe that Walz has far more to lose there than Vance.
This election will have hot mics, so the candidates can crosstalk and challenge each other when points are being made. I am not a big fan of people talking over each other, so I think I will wait for the recap rather than watching the debate.
