Democrats handle loss so well. No, never mind; they do not. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged other Democrats to “be a little meaner” and stand up to President Donald Trump.
At a South Carolina Democratic convention, Walz called Trump a “bully,” “wannabe dictator,” and “existential threat.” Walz argued that Democrats failed in 2024 because voters did not respond to their positive messaging.
Walz Calls for Tougher Democratic Response
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called for Democrats to adopt a more combative approach against President Donald Trump. Speaking at a Democratic Party state convention in Columbia, South Carolina, Walz emphasized the need for Democrats to take a stronger stance in political battles. The former vice presidential candidate’s remarks come as Democrats face the aftermath of their 2024 election losses, including the presidency, Senate, and failure to recapture the House of Representatives.
Walz, drawing on his background as a former schoolteacher, compared Trump’s behavior to that of a bully, suggesting that when dealing with adult bullies like Trump, Democrats need to “bully the s**t out of him back.” This unusually aggressive rhetoric from the normally mild-mannered governor represents a significant shift in tone for a party still reeling from electoral defeats. Critics have noted that such language contradicts the Democrats’ previous claims of taking the high road in political discourse.
Tim Walz Tells Democrats to Be “Meaner” to President Trump: “You Have to Bully the Sh*t Out of Him”
What's your response? pic.twitter.com/x03DATn6nh
— Wake Up America (@_wake_up_USA) June 1, 2025
Election Analysis and Democratic Strategy
During his address, Walz expressed surprise that American voters didn’t respond more positively to the Democratic campaign message in 2024. “Maybe it’s time for us to be a little meaner, a little bit more fierce, because we have to ferociously push back on this,” Walz told the South Carolina audience. His comments reflect growing concern within Democratic circles about their messaging strategy and ability to connect with voters on key issues, particularly economic concerns.
Some analysts have attributed the Democrats’ 2024 election losses partly to the selection of Walz as the vice presidential candidate, suggesting his addition to the ticket was an attempt to appease certain factions within the party. Walz previously faced criticism and mockery for claiming he was chosen because he could “code talk to white guys watching football, fixing their” truck”—comments that many viewed as condescending toward rural and working-class voters.
🚨New: Tim Walz wants Democrats to be meaner and to bully President Trump:
“It's time for us to be a little meaner when it's an adult like Donald Trump, you bully the s*it out of him back!”
What is your response? pic.twitter.com/RadgtKyyCi
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) June 1, 2025
Portraying Trump as an “Existential Threat”
Throughout his speech, Walz characterized Trump in stark terms, calling him an “existential threat” and a “wannabe dictator.” While rallying the Democratic base in the predominantly In a Republican state, Walz praised South Carolina Democrats for their courage and persistence. The governor’s appearance included participation in a fundraising dinner and after-party fish fry hosted by South Carolina Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn, a powerful figure in party politics.
Despite his call for a more aggressive approach, Walz also encouraged Democrats to remain joyful and “have fun” while fighting political battles. This dual message of combativeness and positivity highlights the internal tension within the Democratic Party as it seeks to redefine its approach after electoral defeats. Walz has not confirmed whether he will run for a third term as Minnesota governor in 2026 or pursue a presidential bid in 2028, leaving his political future uncertain as he positions himself as a leading voice in the opposition to Trump.