Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic Party vice-presidential candidate, is facing a wave of criticism after visiting the Manhattan apartment of Alex Soros, the son of billionaire George Soros.

The meeting has sparked significant backlash, with critics arguing that it undermines Walz's image as a rural moderate and suggesting that it could negatively impact the Harris-Walz campaign, as Fox News reports.

Walz, who has been promoted as a candidate who could help Kamala Harris attract rural voters, has seen his reputation called into question by both political commentators and conservatives on social media. The main concern: how does associating with the son of a high-profile progressive billionaire fit with his Midwestern, rural appeal?

Criticism Erupts After Photos Surface On Social Media

Alex Soros himself posted about the meeting on X, formerly known as Twitter. The photos showed Walz and Soros standing against the backdrop of the New York City skyline. Soros expressed his appreciation for the visit, saying, "Honored to host Governor @Tim_Walz at my home in New York City!"

While the post may have been intended to be positive, it quickly drew backlash, particularly from conservative figures. The visit's imagery clashed with the image of Walz as a politician who understands the struggles of middle-class, rural Americans, critics said.

Several notable conservative commentators took to social media to express their concerns. Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham hinted at deeper implications with a simple, cryptic post: "All you need to know……" Vivek Ramaswamy, former GOP presidential candidate, added to the criticism, writing, "If you squint, you can see the strings on the marionette."

Conservative Voices Question Walz’s Campaign Strategy

The association with Soros raised further questions about Walz’s ability to connect with his core voter base. Digital strategist Greg Price pointed out the inconsistency between Walz's projected image and his actions. "This guy goes around saying he's a small-town midwestern guy who understands the struggles of the middle class and then goes to hang out at the floating home in the sky of the world's biggest billionaire nepo baby," Price tweeted.

Critics argue that the optics of the meeting do not bode well for the Harris-Walz campaign as it tries to appeal to rural and middle-class voters. Brent Scher, managing editor of the Daily Wire, questioned the decision to publicize the visit, stating, "Why would you post this?" Scher even compared Alex Soros to his father, George Soros, saying, "George was better at this than his weird son."

Potential Impact on Harris-Walz Campaign

The timing of this incident is particularly sensitive, as Walz has been positioned as a key player in helping Kamala Harris win over voters in rural and suburban areas of Middle America. His background as a former high school teacher and representative from rural Minnesota has been central to his campaign narrative.

However, critics argue that meeting with Alex Soros, the heir to a progressive family and the leader of the Open Society Foundations, is likely to weaken Walz’s standing with rural voters who may view Soros as a symbol of elitism and a divisive figure in American politics.

In fact, this is not the first time that Walz has been seen with Alex Soros recently. The two were also photographed together in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in August. Soros’ fiancée, Hillary Clinton confidante Huma Abedin, was present at the event as well.

Fox News Requests for Comments Unanswered

Both the Harris-Walz campaign and the Soros Open Society Foundation have remained silent on the matter. According to Fox News Digital, requests for comments from both parties have gone unanswered, leaving speculation to grow about the intentions and impact of the meeting.

Many conservatives have framed the incident as a misstep for the Harris-Walz campaign. Journalist Jerry Dunleavy noted that "a post like this does nothing to help Kamala Harris & Tim Walz win -- if anything, it hurts them."

Dunleavy went on to speculate that the post might have been a calculated move to signal Alex Soros' influence within a potential Harris administration. "So why would Soros post something like this? To publicly signal his power & influence within the next would-be presidential administration," Dunleavy wrote.

Public Perception and the Road Ahead

The optics of the meeting, combined with Soros' controversial reputation among many Republicans, have led to growing concerns over how this will affect the campaign's broader strategy. Geoffrey Ingersoll, editor-in-chief of the Daily Caller, pointed to the discrepancy between Walz’s persona and his actions, stating, "Real working man’s salt of the earth aesthetic for ol Walzy."

Chuck Ross, a reporter for the Washington Free Beacon, echoed similar sentiments. "Nothing screams Midwestern folksy like a billionaire penthouse view of Manhattan," Ross wrote.

Despite these criticisms, it remains to be seen whether the meeting with Alex Soros will significantly alter voter perception of the Harris-Walz ticket. However, with rural voters being a critical demographic in this election, the campaign may need to address this issue before it gains further traction.

For now, both Tim Walz and Kamala Harris continue their bid for the White House, though the narrative surrounding Walz's visit to New York could prove to be a stumbling block along the way. As political commentators continue to weigh in, the broader impact of this visit remains uncertain.