Republicans Respond To Comments Made by Walz During Podcast Interview

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Rachel Stevenson
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Nothing says “secure in your masculinity” like going on a podcast with Gavin Newsom and declaring that you could “kick most Republicans’ ass.” But that’s exactly what Minnesota Governor Tim Walz did, because apparently, nothing proves your toughness like whining about people questioning it. It’s the political equivalent of a guy at the gym flexing in the mirror, waiting for someone to notice.

This all went down while Walz was chatting with Newsom for his new podcast—a show that, let’s be honest, probably exists solely to boost Newsom’s ego and set up his inevitable presidential run. During their conversation, Walz complained that Republicans had tried to paint him as weak during his failed bid to become Kamala Harris’s running mate in 2024. So, naturally, his response was to puff up his chest and claim he could physically take most of his political opponents. Bold strategy, Tim. Nothing screams “strong leader” quite like an empty, macho challenge thrown out on a podcast with your hair-gelled California buddy nodding along.

Unsurprisingly, conservatives had a field day with this one. Knox County, Tennessee, Mayor Glenn Jacobs—better known as the 7-foot-tall, 300-pound former WWE star Kane—was quick to respond. “LOL, the toxic masculinity is shocking!” he joked. He then took things up a notch by tagging fellow former pro-wrestler Tyrus, suggesting a tag team match: “Me and you against the Blue State Buffoons—Mr. Hair Gel #2 and Coach Command Sergeant Major Guy?” The mental image of Newsom and Walz stepping into the ring against two professional wrestlers is almost too good. But hey, Walz is tough, right? He can totally handle himself.

Tyrus, never one to back down from a challenge, responded, “He really said that …. @GovTimWalz I’m your huckleberry that’s just my game say when …” Meanwhile, Caitlyn Jenner, who has more actual athletic accomplishments than Walz could dream of, fired back, “I am more ‘masculine’ than this 🤡 Gov Walz.” Ouch.

And then, of course, there were the regular Americans who saw through Walz’s tough-guy routine for what it really was—posturing. One Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient said he was “doubling down on Tim Walz” and challenged him to a charity match. Another commentator mocked Walz’s bravado by calling him “Jazz hands former VP loser Tim Walz” before sarcastically inviting him to “come at me bro.”

But the best response came from Republican strategist Andrew Surabian, who pointed out that Walz’s claim was almost as ridiculous as his past embellishments about his military record. “Some people may say that this is a particularly stupid comment because WWE isn’t real fighting,” Surabian quipped. “But in fairness to Tim Walz, WWE is closer to being real fighting than Timmy is to being a real combat veteran.” That one had to sting.

And then there was Zeek Arkham, who really put the challenge into perspective: “Dear Tim Walz, I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Trump supporter. If your little fabulous ass thinks you can beat my ass, I’m your huckleberry. Ask Charles Barkley how it worked out for him. I don’t back down from anyone. Name the time and place. I’ll happily come and serve you a two-piece, some biscuits, a full order of sides, and a complimentary drink. Super-sized. Let a brutha know. No hugs.”

Here’s the thing—real toughness isn’t about running your mouth on a podcast with a friendly audience. It’s about standing your ground when it actually matters. And let’s be real, Walz had plenty of opportunities to show actual leadership, like when Minneapolis was being burned to the ground in 2020. Instead of “kicking ass” back then, he curled up into a political fetal position and let rioters have free rein over the city. But sure, tell us more about how you’d totally handle yourself in a fight, Tim.

The irony here is that Walz probably thought this whole routine would make him look strong and confident. Instead, he ended up sounding like an insecure high schooler trying to impress his friends by claiming he could beat up the football team. The difference is, the football team actually can fight back—and judging by the internet’s reaction, Walz just got knocked flat on his back.

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