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During a rally in Tucson, Arizona, on October 9, 2024, Democratic vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized former President Donald Trump for his stance on immigration. Walz emphasized the need for bipartisan solutions and drew contrasts between Trump and the late Senator John McCain.
Walz’s Critique of Trump on Immigration
Walz addressed a crowd of supporters at a high school gymnasium, stating that Trump and his Republican allies want to “blame everything on migrants.” He criticized their lack of responsibility and failure to propose viable plans for immigration reform at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Bipartisan Border Security Bill
Walz highlighted a bipartisan border security bill backed by the White House and Vice President Kamala Harris, which was stalled due to Trump’s opposition. He explained, “We had the solution. We had people working together on it. We kept our promise to do something about the border while also maintaining our humanity.”
Contrast with John McCain
The governor drew a significant contrast between Trump and former Arizona Republican Senator John McCain, who frequently faced Trump’s criticism during his life. Walz referenced recent endorsements from notable figures such as former GOP Representative Liz Cheney and former Vice President Dick Cheney, as well as McCain’s son, First Lieutenant Jim McCain.
Walz quipped, “If you would’ve ever told me we’d have Bernie Sanders and Dick Cheney on the same side of things,” highlighting the unusual political alliances forming around Kamala Harris’s leadership.
Concerns Over Trump’s Foreign Relations
Walz also touched on foreign relations, referencing a report by journalist Bob Woodward, which claimed that Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke as many as seven times since Trump left office. “You can’t tell me that John McCain would be okay with a former president calling Vladimir Putin like a buddy every week,” Walz asserted, reinforcing the shift in Republican values.
Conclusion
Tim Walz’s remarks during the Tucson rally reflect a broader Democratic strategy to rally voters around unity and responsible governance, contrasting their approach to immigration and foreign policy with that of Trump and his supporters. As the campaign heats up, Walz aims to position himself as a candidate who prioritizes bipartisan solutions and the values of traditional Republican leaders like John McCain.
