When CNN anchor Kasie Hunt asked, “Who is the leader of the Democratic Party?” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz remained silent for a few seconds. — eventually offering an answer that did not include a name.
Walz appeared on Wednesday’s episode of The Arena with Kasie Hunt, and after discussing President Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress the night before, the conversation turned to the future of Walz’s party, now that Republicans control both the White House and Congress.
“Who do you think the leader of the Democratic Party is right now?” Hunt was asking.
“I think the voting public, right now, is what I would say,” Walz said after the brief pause. He went on to say that he was telling Democrats that “we’re not going to have a charismatic leader right in here and save us from this,” and that they should instead be “out there standing alongside” the people.
Hunt stated that his viewpoint may apply to congressional leaders, but Trump has emerged “to dominate our politics for ten years.”
“Do you see anyone who could be a national Democratic figure?” she inquired.
Walz responded that he saw “a whole lot of them,” including “young members of Congress stepping up” as well as state legislators, union members, and other “folks that are out there.”
Walz emphasized that Democrats “can’t cede the space” and must “stand up” and respond to Republicans by going out and meeting with voters.
“Is Kamala Harris a future leader for the Democratic Party?” “Hunt asked.”
“Well, I certainly think she could be,” Walz replied. “There’ll be decisions to be, like I say, all of us are -”
“Do you think she should run for president?” Hunt interjected.
“I think she had a positive message,” Walz said. “I believe I own this with her. Were we able to deliver it? Obviously not. Not as effectively as we should have, but I believe the ideas she was promoting about an economy that works for everyone.
Expanding the concept of health care and affordability, and ensuring that Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security were protected reflected the values of the majority of the American people. In 100 days, I believe she articulated that.”
“Are you going to run for president?” “Hunt asked.”
Walz responded with: “I don’t need to be on the ticket, but I do need to be there, I believe, because what I saw in the country and what we’re able to do.”
He added that he wanted to “be a part of making sure that we win,” and that he would be “out there” offering “whatever they need from me, I’ll go, wherever they are” to meet with the public and “take the fight to every corner of the country.”
