The political world was buzzing this morning after the announcement that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been selected as Kamala Harris' running mate for the 2024 election.
Yet, there's no time to spare for celebration. Soon after getting the news himself, Walz jumped straight into preparation. In part, that includes returning to a past experience that is likely to help in the case of a debate between himself and Trump VP pick JD Vance — working as a public school lunchroom monitor.
"State-level government isn't remotely as trying as working in a school cafeteria," began Walz, who has previously mentioned the job's long-term impact on his hair follicles. "In politics, people are cranky and unreasonable because they have ulterior motives. In a middle school lunchroom, people are cranky and unreasonable because their brains aren't fully functional — underdeveloped. I need to make sure I can respond to folks of that ilk if Senator Vance is willing to agree to a debate."
Before entering the political arena, the Nebraska native was a high school geography teacher and football coach. Despite this, the National Guard veteran decided to go down a level while opting not to commit to an athletic position.
"In high school, kids are usually starting to think about the future — consequences. They typically keep in mind how what they say and do will impact themselves and others in the long run. And in a sport like football, the discipline required to get on the field whips lots of the other students into shape," explained Walz. "In middle school, an adolescent will dump a carton of chocolate milk on someone's head and gaffaw, then scream and shout when they're given a detention. That's more-so in line with what I need to prepare for."
Neither Donald Trump or JD Vance have agreed to a debate following the exit of President Joe Biden, with Trump reversing his prior commitment to do so on September 10. Still, even if the opportunity isn't provided and Trump receives a second term, Walz may choose to adopt all attainable students in order to receive as many votes as possible under his opposition's own publicly stated terms.
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Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan via public domain
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