Minnesota’s first lady, Gwen Walz, drew attention during a campaign event in Wisconsin where she mimicked turning a page and said "bye, bye" to former President Donald Trump.

Mrs. Walz's gesture sparked mixed reactions, with supporters cheering while critics sharply denounced the move, as Fox News reports.

Gwen Walz’s comments came during a campaign stop on Saturday for her husband, Gov. Tim Walz, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Speaking to the Wisconsin audience, Walz encouraged supporters to "turn the page" on Trump’s political presence, aligning her message with Harris' debate performance earlier in the week. In an energetic part of her speech, Walz urged the crowd to join her in the symbolic act of moving past the political climate defined by Trump.

She described the Democratic Party’s mission over the next 52 days as one to "turn the page" on Trump's White House bid, imitating a page-turning gesture. The crowd applauded as she exclaimed, "Bye bye. Bye bye, Donald Trump," signaling her hope for a shift in American politics.

Mixed Reactions to Walz’s Remarks

While the gesture resonated with some attendees, it also drew immediate criticism from conservative commentators and social media users. Several critics labeled Walz’s actions as unnecessary and divisive, with some accusing her of "Trump Derangement Syndrome." They viewed her speech as reminiscent of rhetoric used by previous Democratic candidates, comparing her to Hillary Clinton in a less favorable light.

Walz, who has been Minnesota’s first lady since 2019, had previously worked as a teacher and met her husband during the 1990s. Her background in education and her husband’s political career were briefly mentioned in her speech. However, the focus of her comments remained on the upcoming election and the perceived importance of turning away from Trump.

Resurfaced Comments Add to Criticism

Adding fuel to the fire, an incident from July 2020 resurfaced as part of the backlash. During that time, Walz had discussed her experience of living through the Minnesota riots. In an interview, she described the "sleepless nights" she had endured, noting her fascination with the smell of burning tires that permeated the air around her home.

Critics revisited these remarks, labeling them "bizarre" and "weird." Some even called her account "eccentric" and questioned the relevance of her statements during the current campaign. Noah Rothman, a writer for National Review, suggested that her comments were "abnormal" and painted them in a negative light.

Comparisons to Clinton Spark Debate

Walz’s comments also drew comparisons to other Democratic figures. Some commentators, particularly those aligned with conservative media, drew parallels between Walz’s speech and Hillary Clinton's infamous "deplorables" comment during the 2016 presidential campaign. They argued that Walz’s remarks reflected a similar dismissive attitude toward Trump and his supporters.

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, chimed in, calling Walz’s statements "weird." He criticized the speech for its tone and delivery, further fueling the controversy surrounding her remarks.

Lack of Response from Campaign

As the criticism grew, the Harris-Walz campaign remained silent, with no public response to the backlash. Fox News Digital reached out to the campaign for a statement but did not receive a reply.

This lack of response has left some wondering whether the campaign plans to address the controversy or move forward without further comment.

Walz’s Call to Action

Despite the criticism, Gwen Walz’s message of unity and progress resonated with parts of the audience. She emphasized that the election offered an opportunity for the Democratic Party to steer the country in a new direction, particularly focusing on issues such as healthcare, climate change, and economic recovery.

"Now you probably saw that debate the other night," Walz said, referring to Kamala Harris' recent performance. "And what Kamala Harris told us we had to do, was we had to turn the page."

She further encouraged the audience to participate in what she described as a historic opportunity to "turn the page" on a tumultuous political era. Her words were met with applause, particularly when she imitated the page-turning gesture that became the focal point of the event.

A Campaign Marked by Tension

This latest incident is just one of many examples of the growing tension in the current election cycle. As candidates ramp up their campaigns, moments like Gwen Walz’s speech are being scrutinized by both sides of the political spectrum.

Walz’s remarks, while popular with her base, underscore the deep divide in American politics. Her comments about Trump’s potential return to the White House have amplified the ongoing debate about the future direction of the country.

Conclusion: A Divisive Campaign Season

In conclusion, Gwen Walz’s speech in Wisconsin, while intended to energize supporters, has triggered mixed reactions.  Her call to "turn the page" on Donald Trump was met with both applause and sharp criticism. The resurfacing of her previous comments from 2020, along with the backlash comparing her to past Democratic figures, highlights the contentious nature of the current political climate.

With 52 days left in the election season, Walz’s remarks are likely to continue sparking debate across the political spectrum.