Minnesota’s Democratic Governor, Tim Walz, has attributed the lack of support for President Joe Biden’s re-election bid to the impact of former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party on the political system. During an interview on NBC News’s “Meet The Press,” Walz dismissed the notion that Biden’s age or record were the primary factors behind his low support, instead pointing to a perceived erosion of trust in institutions caused by political attacks.
Walz asserted that the political landscape has been “poisoned” by Trump and the Republican Party, leading to a lack of trust in institutions, Congress, and politicians in general. He suggested that the upcoming election should be viewed as a referendum on the importance of preserving democracy, emphasizing that Biden is the candidate who can champion issues like reproductive freedoms, climate agendas, and decency in the White House.
The governor’s remarks reflect a sentiment among Democrats that Biden’s presidency represents a return to “decency” in the White House after the Trump administration. However, Walz’s defense comes in the face of some criticisms about Biden’s term, including instances like the discovery of cocaine in the West Wing and a topless protest on the White House lawn.
Walz also discussed his efforts to rally support for Biden in the Midwest, mentioning discussions with fellow Democratic governors about ensuring Biden’s success in the region.
Regarding the economy, an area where Biden’s approval ratings have been consistently low, Walz defended the president’s handling. He attributed economic challenges to global factors and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, while highlighting the Biden administration’s focus on addressing inflation, promoting manufacturing, advancing technology, and addressing climate change.
Despite Walz’s defense, public opinion on Biden’s economic performance has been lukewarm. Polls indicate that a mere 36% of Americans approve of how Biden has managed the economy, and 42% approve of his overall performance as president, according to an Associated Press/NORC poll. Another poll found that a majority of Americans, 53%, don’t want Biden to run for re-election. Additionally, concerns about Biden’s age and health have been voiced by voters, with a significant portion expressing worry in various polls.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the discussion highlights the challenge of maintaining public trust in institutions and leadership, and the complex dynamics that shape public opinion in the lead-up to elections.