In a stunning turn of events, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sent shockwaves through the internet during the CBS News Vice Presidential Debate by declaring he had "become friends with school shooters." The ill-timed remark, which was seemingly intended to convey his empathy for victims of school shootings, sparked both mockery and outrage from critics.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz became an instant internet sensation on Tuesday night after a verbal gaffe during the CBS News Vice Presidential Debate. In response to a question about his evolving stance on banning assault weapons, Walz made a peculiar admission: "I sat in that office with those Sandy Hook parents. I've become friends with school shooters. I've seen it."
Tim Walz's Shocking Admission: "I've Become Friends with School Shooters
The poorly timed mishap sent Twitter into a frenzy, with many questioning Walz's choice of words. While Walz likely intended to express his familiarity with the survivors of school shootings, the phrase "become friends with school shooters" left many scratching their heads.
Critics of Walz, including former President Trump, were quick to pounce on the slip-up. Former Trump War Room shared the gaffe on Twitter, while Trump national press secretary Karoline Leavitt declared Walz "not ready for primetime."
Tim Walz's Shocking Admission: "I've Become Friends with School Shooters
Fox News contributor Guy Benson accused Walz of "repeatedly lying" about his military rank, DUI, IVF, and Hong Kong/Tiananmen Square involvement, calling the school shooter comment an "innocent misstatement." The Media Research Center, however, labeled it an "unfortunate slip of the tongue."
Pundit John Podhoretz suggested that Walz's gaffe might be forgiven if he could "prove that he's become friends with parents whose children were shot.
Tim Walz's Shocking Admission: "I've Become Friends with School Shooters
However, journalist Andy Ngo dubbed it the "gaffe of the 2024 election," while influencer Robby Starbuck questioned its veracity.
Despite attempts by some to downplay the significance of Walz's remark, others saw it as a major liability for Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Fox News contributor Andy McCarthy argued that the gaffe was "a good, high minded debate as things go these days," while former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows asserted that it "shows a lack of judgment that is disqualifying for a vice president."
Tim Walz's accidental declaration that he has "become friends with school shooters" has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the 2024 vice presidential race. Whether it will ultimately affect the outcome of the election remains to be seen.
