Tim Walz: The Union-Backed Running Mate Raising Concerns Among Critics

Democratic pollster Mark Penn expresses disappointment over Vice President Kamala Harris's selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, citing concerns about potential antisemitism within the Democratic Party. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos warns against Walz's close association with American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union president Randi Weingarten.

Democratic pollster Mark Penn has expressed disappointment over Vice President Kamala Harris's choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, suggesting that antisemitism within the Democratic Party may have played a role in the decision.

Tim Walz: The Union-Backed Running Mate Raising Concerns Among Critics

During an appearance on "The Story" on Fox News, Penn questioned the Democratic Party's commitment to fighting antisemitism, highlighting Walz's close association with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union president Randi Weingarten.

Weingarten has been criticized for her support of anti-Israel groups and for her role in spreading misinformation about Israel. She has also been accused of trying to silence pro-Israel voices.

Tim Walz: The Union-Backed Running Mate Raising Concerns Among Critics

Penn's comments come amid growing concerns about antisemitism within the Democratic Party. A recent poll found that nearly half of American Jews believe that the Democratic Party is not doing enough to fight antisemitism.

Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has issued a warning about Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate.

Tim Walz: The Union-Backed Running Mate Raising Concerns Among Critics

In a post on Twitter, DeVos expressed concern about Walz's close ties to Weingarten, whom she called "a 5-alarm fire for parents and students."

DeVos's warning comes after Weingarten praised Walz for his support of public education and his efforts to increase funding for public schools.

Tim Walz: The Union-Backed Running Mate Raising Concerns Among Critics

Weingarten has been a vocal supporter of Walz, calling him "an exceptional choice" for vice president. She has also praised his record as governor of Minnesota, which includes codifying abortion rights into the state constitution and making Minnesota a refuge for children seeking transgender medical procedures.

However, critics have questioned Walz's record on education. They point to his support for heavy-handed pandemic restrictions and his initiation of a hotline to report residents who violated mask mandates.

Tim Walz: The Union-Backed Running Mate Raising Concerns Among Critics

Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has warned that former President Trump could bring fascism to America if re-elected.

During a speech at the AFT's convention, Weingarten claimed that the upcoming election will determine the future of America's rights and freedoms. She warned that fascism is possible if Trump is elected.

"The November elections will determine which path we take as a nation. Progress is possible, but so is the eradication of the rights and freedoms we hold dear," Weingarten said. "It is seldom a dramatic event or attack that lets fascism in the door. The violence comes later, after they are voted in."

Weingarten's comments come amid concerns about the rise of authoritarianism in the United States. Some experts have warned that Trump's rhetoric and policies have created an environment conducive to the growth of fascism.

Tim Walz, a former congressman and U.S. Army National Guard member, has served as governor of Minnesota since 2019.

Walz has faced criticism for his handling of COVID-19, which included indoor masking and the initiation of a hotline to report residents who violated mask mandates.

He has also been criticized for his support of heavy-handed pandemic restrictions and his role in the school lockdowns that had dramatically harmful implications on public-school children in the U.S.

Despite these criticisms, Walz has also been praised for his strong support for unions and his record of accomplishments as governor, which include codifying abortion rights into the state constitution and making Minnesota a refuge for children seeking transgender medical procedures.

In 2023, he signed a budget to expand funding for Minnesota schools and supported a free college tuition program for Minnesota families earning less than $80,000 a year.

However, Walz's record is not without controversy. He has been accused of misconduct by a former employee and has faced criticism for his handling of sexual harassment allegations within his administration.