Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has openly stated he would “certainly consider” a 2028 presidential run if he believes he’s the right candidate, despite his failed 2024 vice presidential bid alongside Kamala Harris[5][8][10]. This comes as Democrats face internal pressure to rebrand their party by distancing themselves from far-left ideologies and embracing patriotism to reconnect with working-class voters[9].
### Democrats’ Patriotism Push
At the 2024 Democratic National Convention, the party aggressively promoted patriotic themes, with “USA!” chants, flag imagery, and speeches framing Democrats as defenders of American values[1][3][6]. Vice presidential nominee Walz declared, “We love this country,” while Oprah Winfrey emphasized national pride despite political divisions[1]. This marked a strategic shift from past Democratic reluctance to claim patriotic messaging, aiming to counter Republican accusations of socialism or anti-Americanism[1][3].
### Post-Election Rebranding Efforts
After losing the 2024 election, Democrats held a “Comeback Retreat” organized by Third Way, urging party leaders to “embrace patriotism, community, and traditional American imagery” and reduce far-left influence[9]. Recommendations included banning “ideological purity tests” and reconnecting with values like hard work and individualism[9]. Critics argue the party’s elite, progressive wing remains out of touch with mainstream voters, particularly on cultural issues like immigration, education, and economic policy[7][9].
### Tim Walz’s Rocky Path to 2028
Walz’s national profile rose during the 2024 campaign, but his debate stumbles, past misstatements about his military service, and handling of Minnesota’s 2020 riots drew heavy scrutiny[2][4][7]. Fox News commentators called his VP nomination a “disastrous decision,” blaming it for Harris’ loss and highlighting his radical policy image in Minnesota[7]. Despite this, Walz retains strong approval in his home state and claims he’d “do whatever it takes” to serve nationally, though he ruled out a Senate bid, quipping, “I’d rather eat glass”[8][10].
### Conservative Skepticism
Republicans and conservative analysts dismiss Democrats’ patriotism rebrand as insincere. Fox News’ Rob Bluey argued Walz’s selection exposed Harris’ poor judgment, while Julian Epstein, a Democratic operative, blamed the party’s “hard-left progressive wing” for alienating voters[7][9]. Walz’s own brother, Jeff, publicly opposed his politics, calling him dishonest and unfit for office[4].
The Democratic Party’s attempt to pivot toward patriotism and Walz’s potential 2028 ambitions face steep challenges, with critics questioning both the messaging shift’s authenticity and Walz’s electability after his divisive 2024 campaign.
