Walz Urges Democrats to 'Be a Little Meaner' and 'Bully the S—t' Out of Trump Amid Challenging Few Years

In a spirited address at the Democratic Party state convention in Columbia, South Carolina, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged Democrats to adopt a tougher stance against former President Donald Trump, whom he characterized as a "bully." As the keynote speaker, Walz called on his party to respond with more vigor and resolve, telling activists, "Maybe it's time for us to be a little meaner, a little bit more fierce, because we have to ferociously push back on this."

Walz, who has emerged as a 2024 vice presidential candidate, referenced criticism he faced for targeting Trump administration officials, including public remarks directed at billionaire Elon Musk, who previously held a federal advisory role. The governor, a former teacher, expressed frustration with what he described as Trump's bullying tactics, asserting, "The thing that bothers a teacher more than anything is to watch a bully... When it's an adult like Donald Trump, you bully the s–-t out of him back... This is a ... cruel man."

He didn't mince words in his assessment of the former president, labeling Trump as both a "wannabe dictator" and an 'existential threat'" to the nation. Walz warned of challenging times ahead for Democrats, emphasizing the importance of unity and determination to counter what he sees as unprecedented dangers posed by Trump's potential return to office. "Donald Trump is the existential threat that we knew was coming," Walz said, underscoring the urgency for Democrats to remain vigilant and proactive.

The weekend of events also featured Maryland Governor Wes Moore, another rising Democratic figure, who echoed Walz's concerns while urging the party to learn from Trump's assertive approach to politics. "Donald Trump doesn’t need a study to dismantle democracy or use the Constitution like a suggestion box," Moore stated, highlighting what he called the former president's disregard for democratic norms and economic stability.

With South Carolina serving as a historic first-in-the-nation primary state for Democrats, the convention drew considerable attention from national figures seen as potential future presidential contenders. Both Walz and Moore appeared at a fundraising dinner and after-party hosted by South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn, mingling with hundreds of party members eager to hear their vision for the party's direction.

During his speech, Walz praised local Democrats for their perseverance in a state dominated by Republican victories, where Democrats have not secured a statewide win in approximately two decades. He encouraged them to maintain both their resolve and optimism, declaring, "Damnit, we should be able to have some fun and be joyful. We've got the guts and we need to have it to push back on the bullies and the greed."

Walz has yet to announce whether he will seek a third term as governor in 2026, though he has acknowledged weighing the decision. His performance in South Carolina, along with ongoing speculation about a possible 2028 presidential bid, positions him as a key player in the Democratic Party’s future landscape—even as debates continue over which state should hold the prized status of first-in-the-nation nominating contest.