Kamala Needed Me to ‘Code Talk to White Guys,’ Dismisses 2028 Run [WATCH]

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed students and faculty at Harvard’s Kennedy School on Monday night, reflecting on his time as the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee and dismissing speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid, as reported by Fox News.

During the appearance, Walz explained why former Vice President Kamala Harris selected him as her running mate and offered blunt remarks about Democrats’ messaging problems heading into future elections.

Speaking during a stop on what he called a national “listening tour,” Walz said Harris tapped him for the ticket because, “I could code talk to White guys watching football, fixing their truck,” adding that his presence on the ticket helped put some rural voters “at ease.”

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He described himself as a “permission structure” for White men in rural areas to vote for Democrats.

Pressed by moderator Brittany Shepherd of ABC News about his communication strategy, Walz said, “I think I’ll give you pretty good stuff, but I’ll also give you 10% problematic,” and laughed off earlier criticism of his background on the campaign trail by calling himself a “knucklehead.”

Walz reiterated that he is not considering a run for president in 2028 and told Shepherd he believes the Democratic Party should build a campaign infrastructure now — even without a declared candidate.

“We need to collectively run a presidential campaign without a candidate right now that builds all the infrastructure… by the time we get to 2028, we’re ready,” he said.

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Reflecting on the 2024 election, Walz told the audience, “We would have won,” while acknowledging the party came up short. He added that Democrats need to engage “in every forum,” including long-form podcasts and traditional media.

“There is room for Gavin Newsom’s podcast, and there is room for Bernie Sanders’ rallies,” he said. Newsom, considered a top 2028 contender, has launched a podcast and invited figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon to encourage open debate.

Meanwhile, Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., have drawn thousands to their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour.

Walz’s own national appearances have been marked by controversies. He was recently heckled by veterans at the Minnesota Capitol over allegations of “stolen valor.”

HOLY CRAP! Tim Walz just got RUTHLESSLY heckled and booed by military veterans for his stolen valor

“You’re a COWARD!”

“SHUT YOUR F***ING MOUTH!”

“You sympathize with the Chinese!”

Walz deserves EVERY SECOND of this! pic.twitter.com/KeWnUGOxiM

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 10, 2025

He was also criticized at a Wisconsin town hall after attendees were removed for filming.

Conservatives have continued to mock him with the nickname “Tampon Tim” for backing a law that mandates free menstrual products in school restrooms, including boys’ bathrooms.

Walz, who once claimed he could “fight most Trump supporters,” has maintained a combative tone in recent remarks. On the eve of President Donald Trump’s 100-day celebration, Walz warned Democrats, “If you leave a void, Donald Trump will fill it.”

“It’s been 100 days of destruction,” Walz said. “You think we can survive 550 more? That’s the challenge. That’s how long it is until the midterms.”

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