In a recent event that has stirred social media, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, running as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Kamala Harris, was caught in a thin-skinned moment [1] at a college football game.
The incident took place on Saturday during the face-off between the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota.
As Gov. Walz navigated through the crowd, a remark shouting “Trump 2024, baby!” led to an unexpected reaction from the governor — a gesture that has since ignited criticism and conversation across platforms.
Captured in a video that was shared on the social media platform X, Gov. Walz can be observed extending his middle finger towards the crowd that vocalized support for former President Donald Trump’s potential 2024 run.
This gesture came in the wake of several attendees verbally expressing their disapproval of Walz, where he was notably booed upon his arrival at the game, with a distasteful comment directed towards him being captured in another piece of footage made public via TikTok.
Tim Walz gets heckled by students at the Michigan – Minnesota game
“TRUMP 2024 BABY!!!” pic.twitter.com/fOU7HrEeot [2]
— Old Row (@OldRowOfficial) September 29, 2024 [3]
The reaction from the public and on social media to these episodes has been swift and sharp, particularly considering the timing of the incidents just 40 days ahead of an election of significant importance.
One user on X pointed out the gravity of the situation by highlighting the proximity to the pivotal election and calling into question the seriousness of the candidates.
Oh cool, VP candidate flipping off fans at a game 40 days out from a pivotal election. These are not serious people. https://t.co/jPWmJSpFG4 [4]
— Jeff Hallett (@jeff_hallett) September 29, 2024 [5]
Another user criticized Gov. Walz not for the nature of his response but for his apparent expectation that such a gesture could go unnoticed amid the act of waving to spectators.
Further amplifying the contrasting public receptions of political figures, on the same day as the Michigan-Minnesota game, former President Donald Trump was present at the football game between the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia [6].
HAPPENING NOW: Alabama fans go nuts after Donald Trump finds his seat at the Alabama vs. Georgia game.
Trump visited Tuscaloosa in 2019 when Alabama played LSU and in 2018 when Alabama defeated Georgia in the national title game.
Trump’s security at tonight’s game was… pic.twitter.com/1fvSc1yY3x [7]
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 29, 2024 [8]
There, Trump was met with a loud and warm welcome, engaging openly with the crowd, marking a starkly different interaction with the public compared to Gov. Walz’s experience in Michigan.
HAPPENING NOW! President Trump arrives at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama vs. Georgia football game… pic.twitter.com/nYs4Hg2E2q [9]
— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) September 29, 2024 [10]
While Michigan emerged victorious over Minnesota with a score of 27-24, the off-field incidents involving Gov. Walz have spurred a broader discussion on civility, public discourse, and the challenges facing candidates as they navigate the charged political landscape in the lead-up to elections.
Original article below:
At the recent University of Michigan versus Minnesota football game in Ann Arbor, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz received a cold reception [11] that had little to do with the weather.
Arriving for the Wolverine’s game against Minnesota, Gov. Walz’s entrance was met with resounding boos from University of Michigan fans who were forced to endure the rain while waiting for his motorcade.
The delay caused by the security preparations for his arrival extended up to 30 minutes, leaving fans soaked and displeased.
@mckenzieallen157 [12] Minnesota governor attended the #uofm [13] game today and caused fans to wait in the rain for 30+ minutes. Boos, “Tampon Tim”, and threats to the police were being shouted. #fyp [14] #dividedwefall [15] #trump [16] #harris [17] #jdvance [18] #timwalz [19] #election2024 [20] #tampontim [21] #maga [22] #daveportnoy [23] #michigan [24] #uofm [13] #ncaa [25] ♬ original sound – Kenzie ✨ [26]
The crowd’s frustration did not stop at mere boos; they also targeted Walz with the chant “Tampon Tim,” referencing a controversial piece of legislation the Governor signed back in Minnesota.
This particular law mandates the provision of free tampons in school facilities, including boys’ restrooms, which has sparked debate and ridicule among critics.
Despite the inclement weather, there were attempts to show support for Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris, with a number of fans brought in specifically for the occasion displaying signs in their favor.
A pathetic, orchestrated crowd greeted Tampon Tim in Michigan today. You can just feel the energy! pic.twitter.com/FiepZRBses [27]
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 28, 2024 [28]
However, the extensive security measures taken for the Democratic vice-presidential nominee overshadowed these efforts, much to the chagrin of the Michigan fanbase eager to enter the venue.
THIS IS BRUTAL! Michigan college football fans BOOED Tim Walz as he entered the stadium for the big game against Minnesota
Some were screaming, “GET OUT OF HERE!” 😂
This is what happens when they can’t bus in supporters to cheer like robots. pic.twitter.com/SdH8aArW1P [29]
— George (@BehizyTweets) September 28, 2024 [30]
A fan expressively voiced their displeasure on social media, stating, “VP Candidate Tim Walz pissed off Michigan fans,” capturing a sentiment seemingly widespread among the crowd that day.
In spite of the hostile reception from those aligned with the rival team, Governor Walz, who had previously emphasized his high school football coaching experience during his campaign, arrived early to engage in tailgating festivities with Michigan supporters.
In stark contrast to Trump:
– Tim Walz goes to college football game
– Literally no one recognizes Tim Walz
– No one cheers for Tim Walz at all
– Tim Walz roots *against* Minnesota!?
– Tim Walz is the Governor of Minnesota
– WTF is wrong with this guy?pic.twitter.com/MiycFqQc75 [31]— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 29, 2024 [32]
His efforts to interact more directly with the event included an attempted meeting with Michigan’s head coach, Sherrone Moore, which fell through, leading to a consolation embrace with the Minnesota Golden Gophers mascot instead.
The Governor remained relatively quiet following the game, which concluded with Michigan clinching victory over the University of Minnesota with a final score of 27-24.
This appearance at the game marks what is expected to be Walz’s last significant campaign event before the upcoming vice presidential debate against contender JD Vance.
Is he grabbing his junk? 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/X6NCze8bPj [33]
— Buzz Patterson (@BuzzPatterson) September 28, 2024 [34]
In preparation for the debate, Walz will be heading to northern Michigan, as confirmed by an anonymous source to the Associated Press.
This critical point in his campaign trail coincides with the Democratic and Republican battle for the influential battleground state.
Trump vs. Tim Walz at college football games:
Trump is loved… Tim Walz is… Well… Not.
pic.twitter.com/XN5iMnPTML [35]— Shawn Farash (@Shawn_Farash) September 29, 2024 [36]
Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan highlighted the uncertain political landscape leading up to November’s presidential election, stating, “No one is winning this state right now. We are a purple state. Donald Trump hasn’t won this state and Kamala Harris hasn’t won this state.”
This underscores the intensified efforts from both campaigns to secure Michigan’s crucial electoral votes.