When Political Parties Offer Sacrificial Lambs: Trump Skewers ‘Sick Puppy’ Tim Walz
In ancient times, communities would offer their weakest livestock to appease angry gods, hoping the sacrifice might spare them from greater calamity. Modern political parties operate under surprisingly similar logic, sometimes burning through expendable candidates when they sense inevitable defeat looming on the horizon.
The Democratic Party’s 2024 vice presidential selection process unfolded under extraordinary pressure. With Joe Biden’s abrupt July exit from the race amid mounting concerns about his mental acuity, Kamala Harris inherited a campaign with barely 100 days until Election Day. The rushed timeline meant critical decisions had to be made quickly, often prioritizing internal party dynamics over electoral strategy.
Among the potential running mates, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro emerged as the obvious choice for swing-state appeal. His moderate positioning and governance record in a crucial battleground state made strategic sense. Yet party progressives harbored concerns about Shapiro’s positions on various issues, creating internal tension that would ultimately shape the selection process in ways that defied conventional electoral wisdom.
Instead, the Harris campaign chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a decision that satisfied the progressive base while potentially sacrificing broader appeal. Anyone paying attention could see this was identity politics trumping electoral math. This week, President Trump offered his characteristically blunt assessment of that choice, calling Walz a politician who never should have landed on the ticket.
From Fox News:
He’s a sick puppy, that guy, that poor guy. I feel sorry for him. But, they made a bad choice with him.
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