Midwest
Tim Walz is not a folksy combo of Andy Griffith and Bernie Sanders. Harris may regret her pick
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Tim Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota, is becoming Kamala Harris’ Sarah Palin.
In August 2008, GOP presidential candidate John McCain startled the country by picking Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate. The choice was meant to buttress the Arizona Senator’s popularity with conservatives, and made history, as Palin was the first Republican woman to run for the vice presidency.
Former Alaska Governor and 2008 Republican party Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin addresses the audience at the 2016 Western Conservative Summit in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (JASON CONNOLLY/AFP via Getty Images)
Palin was little known at the time but was introduced to voters as a plucky mother of five and a folksy “Mama Grisly,” a term she coined to describe herself. The attractive 44-year-old governor lessened concerns about McCain’s age and health issues, and infused his campaign with much-needed energy, drawing large crowds and enthusiasm. Most important, Republicans hoped the former mayor of Wasilla would attract working-class Americans to their ticket.
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Unhappily, it turned out the McCain camp had not sufficiently vetted Palin. She stumbled on the campaign trail, took a beating from the liberal press for lacking foreign policy chops, and despite being popular with conservatives, became a millstone for the GOP ticket, which lost to Barack Obama and Joe Biden that November.
Most damaging, picking Palin made voters question John McCain’s judgment.
FILE – Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., arrives for work on Capitol Hill hours after voting NO on the GOP ‘Skinny Repeal’ health care bill, on July 28, 2017 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Like Palin, Tim Walz, the supposedly folksy marriage of Andy Griffith and Bernie Sanders, who is supposed to attract Midwestern voters, is not well known to U.S. voters. A national poll published just before Harris chose him found 71% of Americans had never heard of Walz or didn’t have an opinion about him, exactly the same response given in a Gallup survey when Palin was announced.
Obscurity can be an advantage to a campaign, in that the team gets to define the candidate. But it can also become a nightmare as information seeps out that is unflattering and undermines the preferred narrative.
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That is what happened with Sarah Palin and what is now happening to Walz. It turns out that the progressive hard-left governor is not all that folksy and has a number of skeletons dancing in his closet. Scrutiny of his record as governor has illuminated why his popularity in his state has plummeted, and why his state is bleeding residents.
Walz’ petty tyrant response to COVID, asking neighbors to spy on neighbors and ruthlessly shuttering businesses, his absurd trans-friendly policies like supplying tampons in boys’ bathrooms, and his decision to let Minneapolis burn during the George Floyd riots, raise doubts about his competence and common sense. Eight babies reportedly were allowed to die on the operating table after botched abortions, enabled by extreme legislation passed under Walz’ watch, is not “Midwestern nice’; it is disgusting and immoral.
As Rolling Stone described it, Walz’ run as governor resulted in “a progressive legislative tour de force” that included “massive infrastructure packages, universal gun background checks, and much, much more.”
TIM WALZ HAS TIES TO MUSLIM CLERIC WITH ANTISEMITIC VIEWS, GAVE STATE FUNDING TO HIS GROUP: REPORT
What the liberal outlet omits is the price tag: Minnesotans pay some of the country’s highest tax rates on personal income and businesses, and the state is one of the few to have a death tax and a statewide business property tax. Despite enjoying a fleeting budget surplus, Gov. Walz clobbered the state by ladling on even more punitive taxes to pay for his far-left agenda.
Moreover, Walz’ ugly attacks on his political rivals may excite his perpetually angry base, but are a turn-off for many, and especially the “Midwestern nice” folks Walz is meant to corral. In the White Dudes for Kamala phone-in, Walz blared, “Make that bastard [Donald Trump] wake up afterwards and know that a black woman kicked his ass and sent him on the road.” That’s blue meat and maybe effective for young people who were defecting from Joe Biden, but it won’t help with Middle America.
Meanwhile, Walz’ military record has come under withering criticism from fellow soldiers who accuse him of resigning from their unit just as they were about to be deployed to Iraq. Walz has traded on his one-time participation in a prestigious multi-year program which would have raised him to Command Sergeant Major, the highest non-commissioned position in the U.S. Army. But Walz forfeited that honor when he prematurely ditched his battalion, and the program, on the cusp of being deployed into a war zone. He retired as a Sergeant Major but has continued to use the loftier title.
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Allegations of “stolen valor” surfaced almost immediately. Fellow soldiers, offended by his record, stepped forward to tell the truth about Walz’ record. Even the chaplain of his unit has spoken out, saying “In our world, to drop out after a WARNORD [warning order] is issued is cowardly, especially for a senior enlisted guy.” He accuses Walz of having a “very loose commitment to the truth.”
It is not pretty. The blowback became so severe that the Harris campaign had to walk back dishonest statements included in the governor’s bio.
Just as Donald Trump was criticized for choosing J.D. Vance as his running mate, a conservative senator some claim did little to broaden the former president’s appeal, so Harris looks to have erred in teaming up with another far-left liberal. Though Harris and her pals in the press now disavow her progressive policies, voters remember her embrace of the Green New Deal, Medicare for all and open borders.
That is not where the country is. The recent defeats of Representatives Jamaal Bowman in New York and Cori Bush in Missouri by moderate Democrats suggest voters’ enthusiasm for far-left candidates, and especially those who are anti-Israel, has waned.
U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) speaks to the crowd while he campaigns in the Bronx borough of New York City, U.S., June 22, 2024. (REUTERS/Joy Malone)
Tim Walz fits neatly into that group. Fox News has reported ties between Minnesota’s governor and Imam Asad Zaman, a Muslim cleric in his state who praises Hitler, spouts antisemitism and is anti-Israel. Shockingly, Walz’ administration reportedly dished out $100,000 in taxpayer dollars to fund Zaman’s activities.
As vice president, Kamala Harris has demonstrated neither the intelligence nor judgment needed to be a successful president; picking Walz does not move that needle.
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Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).
Today at the AmFam Amp
Jelly Roll w/Tyler Hubbard, Three 6 Mafia, 7 p.m.
If you’re not familiar with the Jelly Roll Cinematic Universe, this must look like the weirdest lineup at the amphitheater during Summerfest 2026. You’ve got Mr. Roll himself at the top, with his swirl of country and rap that broke through in 2023 to the tune of two platinum-selling albums: Whitsitt Chapel and Beautifully Broken. Then there’s Tyler Hubbard, a comparatively straight-ahead country artist who’s found success solo and as a member of Florida Georgia Line.
Which brings us to Three 6 Mafia, the influential Memphis hip-hop group whose deep catalog of crunk and other rap subgenres left a huge mark on countless artists, including Jelly Roll. The Amp’s headliner has said Three 6 Mafia is one of the reasons he started rapping in the first place, and he’s collaborated with DJ Paul while appearing live with the group’s members frequently over the years. No doubt they’ll share the big stage tonight at some point.
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1
Known Moons @ T-Mobile Stage, 2:30 p.m.
This reco is a “six degrees” situation that started back when I was in some mediocre (read: shitty) pop-punk bands that played with a group called Pleasant Street. Guitarist Nick Woods was part of that band and went on to other projects like Direct Hit!, which made the best punk albums of the mid-2010s. His Pleasant Street bandmate Danny Walkowiak is, in my opinion, among the best drummers in this or any generation. He’s now part of Milwaukee alt/dream-pop band Known Moons, another very good product of our city’s music scene. Go see them today.
— Jay Burseth
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2
Soul Asylum @ Generac Power Stage, 5:30 p.m.
It was almost exactly a year ago that Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith stopped by our HQ for a Studio Milwaukee Session and, in the process, reconfirmed my belief in the power of pioneering alternative bands.
Soul Asylum might have been the first one I hooked onto after reaching the age when I was musically mature enough to make responsible album-purchasing decisions, and those songs from Grave Dancers Union and Let Your Dim Light Shine still rattle around in my brain. Pirner and Smith were wonderful to watch last summer in our space, and it’ll be great to catch them again on the Big Gig’s final day.
— Brett Krzykowski
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3
VALÉ & Gego Y Nony @ Aurora Pavilion, 3:15 p.m.
Barranquilla lands in Milwaukee with a lot of pop, R&B in a language I know all too well: Spanglish.
VALÉ, the 23-year-old Colombian artist now based in Los Angeles, has been busy releasing singles and EPs since 2021, building a collection of music that gets audiences dancing. This artist introduces moments of reggaeton within an electrifying pop beat, all while weaving between her native Spanish and English as she speaks on the pressures of love and family.
Headlining her first tour in November, this is a great chance to see VALÉ as she continues to rise in the world of Latin alternative. She also happens to be a great match for the duo following her on stage at the Aurora Pavilion: homegrown reggaetoneros Gego Y Nony.
Hailing from a family of percussionists, these brothers keep Puerto Rico and Milwaukee close to their heart as they sing, rap and compose their own music while leaning into the “new wave” of reggaeton, influenced by artists like R.K.M and Ken-Y. What makes this concert all the more exciting is the fact they’re from Milwaukee, which continues to be a place where artists’ unique styles, DIY spirit and community-centered focus shine. Expect love tracks (all clean — a plus for families), dancing and plenty of positive vibes.
— Paula Lovo
How to get in free today
Freedom on the Fourth Food Drive presented by Harley-Davidson
From noon to 3 p.m., the first 5,000 patrons who donate three nonperishable food items will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All food will be collected at the Mid Gate entrance. Canned fruits and vegetables are especially appreciated. All donations benefit Hunger Task Force.
Summerfest schedule for Saturday, July 4
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
American Family Insurance House
- 4 p.m. — The Temper Trap
- 2 p.m. — Soul Asylum
BMO Pavilion
- 10 p.m. — Sam Barber
- 7:15 p.m. — Preston Cooper
- 5:30 p.m. — Palmer Anthony
Miller Lite Oasis
- 10:30 p.m. — Kerry King
- 8:30 p.m. — Sunami
- 6:45 p.m. — Drown the Lifeguard
- 5 p.m. — SIIN
- 3:15 p.m. — The Maiden Voyage
- 1:45 p.m. — Flatwounds
- 12:15 p.m. — Horizon
T-Mobile Stage
- 10:15 p.m — The Temper Trap
- 8:15 p.m. — Joywave
- 6:15 p.m. — Pure Hex
- 4:15 p.m. — Carolina Liar
- 2:30 p.m. — Known Moons
- 12:45 p.m. — The Last Bees
Generac Power Stage
- 10 p.m. — BoDeans
- 7:30 p.m. — The Jayhawks
- 5:30 p.m. — Soul Asylum
- 3 p.m. — Nicole Lawrence
- 1:30 p.m. — Ur Mom
- 12:15 p.m. — Oh Geeez, Not Again
Uline Warehouse
- 10 p.m. — Straight No Chaser
- 7:30 p.m. — Mindi Abair
- 5:30 p.m. — Jerry Harrison
- 3:30 p.m. — Poi Dog Pondering
- 2 p.m. — Porcupine
- 12:30 p.m. — Blaze Francisco
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
- 10 p.m. — Jonah Kagen
- 8 p.m. — John Vincent III
- 6 p.m. — KT Tunstall
- 4 p.m. — Elephonic
- 2:30 p.m. — Louie & The Flashbombs
- 1 p.m. — BERMS.
Aurora Pavilion
- 9 p.m. — Sad Boy Saturday
- 7 p.m. — Baha Men
- 5:45 p.m. — Tag Team
- 4:30 p.m. — Gego y Nony
- 3:15 p.m. — Valé
- 2 p.m. — Krusher (Rockonsin winner)
- 12:45 p.m. — Candy Cigarette (Rockonsin runner-up)
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis police officer was fired in February for liking pro-lynching comment, department document shows
The Minneapolis Police Department fired an officer in February for liking a comment on social media supporting the lynching of a Black man, according to Internal Affairs documents.
The comment in question was made in March 2024 in a Facebook group called Minneapolis Police Officers and Civilian Employees, Current and Retired, which has no official affiliation with the department, police said.
In response to a news article about a suspect accused of killing a police officer, someone commented, “Get a [r]ope and find a tree,” and Klimmek liked the comment from his personal account, the MPD investigation found. The suspect appeared to be Black.
Klimmek admitted to liking the comment in an investigative interview, but said he did not know the phrase carried any racial connotations. He said he liked it because, “I was probably supportive of that post, uh, the death penalty for someone who murdered a police officer,” MPD documents show.
WCCO has reached out to the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis for comment.
“Officer Klimmek’s claim of not knowing that the phrase, ‘Get a rope and find a tree’ is affiliated with an unquestionably violent history of racism and slavery, and his claimed lack of knowledge demonstrates how out of touch he is with history,” then-Chief Brian O’Hara wrote in his findings. “The public cannot trust his judgment, and I cannot trust his judgment.”
In his investigative interview, Klimmek “did not express any remorse for his actions,” the department said, and he “just does not understand or appreciate his role in upholding the public trust or the betrayal of that trust inherent in the comment that he liked.”
O’Hara said Klimmek’s conduct “has had a serious negative impact on the professionalism of the MPD and has demonstrated a serious lack of integrity, ethics and character related to his fitness to hold his position.”
He added later in the document that “officers do not have the power of ‘judge, jury, and executioner.’ Even if Officer Klimmek believes in the death penalty, which he is certainly entitled to, officers must respect due process and conduct themselves accordingly so as to not call into question their fitness to serve.”
The department terminated Klimmek on Feb. 20 for violating its social media conduct policies. He received one-on-one social media policy training in 2015, the investigation noted.
Minneapolis Police Department records show three previous disciplinary measures for Klimmek, all suspensions. In 2020, he stood by while a security officer punched a handcuffed suspect in the stomach. In 2021, he ran a red light and caused a crash. And in 2024, he failed to properly search a suspect and allowed him to bring a loaded handgun into the Hennepin County Jail.
The department’s online dashboard shows at least 20 complaints against Klimmek since 2012, four of which are still open.
O’Hara noted in his decision that Klimmek’s actions came after the murder of George Floyd and investigations by both the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and U.S. Department of Justice that found a pattern of racial discrimination by the department.
O’Hara himself resigned in May after an internal investigation found he interfered with a probe into his own actions.
View the creative headshots of the finalists competing for a spot on the 2026 Indianapolis Colts Cheer squad during Saturday’s Cheer Audition Showcase. Tune in to watch the team announcement LIVE on Colts social media platforms at 6:15 PM ET, March 7.
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Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, July 4
