The Walz distraction

While Republicans have been attacking Walz, Harris has been building relationships and improving her image.

After Kamala Harris named Tim Walz as her running mate, Republicans leveled much of their fire at him instead of her. They went after his military career, falsely accusing Walz of stolen valor. Trump’s campaign manager, Chis LaCivita, made his name in politics producing the Swift Boat attacks against John Kerry that shifted the dynamics of that race. This time, though, the Harris campaign is pushing back on multiple fronts. Veterans from both parties quickly came to defend Walz and his record of service. So far, the attacks aren’t gaining significant traction.

Another attack may backfire, highlighting Walz as a compassionate man looking out for children, especially those less fortunate. Walz signed a bill that requires school to “provide students with access to menstrual products at no charge.” Republicans pounced, creating a hashtag, #TamponTim.

Apparently, Republicans convinced themselves that the law required tampons be placed in boys bathrooms, but that’s not what the law says. The falsehood originated from the Trump campaign and they tried to make it true by making it viral on social media. I’m shocked.

The attack wasn’t supposed to be about providing the free menstrual products. It was accusing Walz of showing too much compassion for transgender kids. Now, Republicans are complaining that they aren’t against giving tampons to kids who need them. They just want to hate on transgender people.

Republicans may have inadvertently given air to a problem that has struggled to get attention. An organization called Alliance for Period Supplies has been advocating for free tampons and pads in public institutions. Their cause may get a boost from the publicity.

Walz, for his part, is probably looking even better to women voters. The attack just highlights his commitments to students. He also signed legislation providing free breakfast and lunch for all public school students. He wants kids to go to school and be able to focus on education and activities while not worrying about basic needs.

Tim Walz provided a lift to an already rising Harris campaign. Republicans moved quickly to squash it—first with a false accusation for stolen valor and then a misguided attempt to wrap him around transgender rights. The first one is failing because too many veterans and veterans groups are coming to his defense. The second one was just made up and has been exposed, making Walz even more appealing as a running mate.

At some point, Republicans will realize they need to lay off of Walz. He’s not the candidate for whom people will come out to vote. Harris is the principle here and while they’ve been leveling their fire at Walz, she’s been shoring up her relationship with labor and steadily improving her image with voters. Not only has she built a campaign that’s working well, she’s causing her opponents to lose focus and flounder.