House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) offered pointed criticism of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz during an interview on ABC News’ This Week.

Emmer, who has known Walz for nearly two decades, did not hold back in his remarks, comparing the Minnesota governor to liberal California Gov. Gavin Newsom, as the Daily Wire reports.

Emmer’s statements came as part of his involvement in the run-up to the upcoming vice-presidential debate, for which he has been helping Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) prepare for his opponent, Walz.

The Republican's comparison of Walz to Newsom painted a sharp contrast between how Walz presents himself and how he governs.

During the interview, Emmer stated, "Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is nothing more than California Governor Gavin Newsom dressed in a flannel shirt," reflecting his belief that Walz’s policies mirror those of the often-criticized California leader.

Emmer’s Personal History With Walz

Emmer emphasized that his insights into Walz are not based on secondhand knowledge. He has worked with Walz for over 20 years, including four years where they interacted closely in the Minnesota political arena.

Drawing on this extensive experience, Emmer remarked, "I’ve known Tim, oh, probably since he was first elected almost 20 years ago. And I worked with him directly for four years."

This personal history, according to Emmer, gives him a unique perspective on Walz’s leadership style. He explained that while Walz presents himself as a relatable, down-to-earth figure, his policies tell a different story.

Emmer accused Walz of playing a role of being "folksy" and "ag-friendly," but ultimately losing favor with many voters who come to understand his true approach to governance.

Preparing For Debate

Emmer’s involvement in preparing Vance for the vice-presidential debate against Walz has been thorough. He explained that he spent the last month researching Walz’s speeches and public appearances to accurately replicate his phrases and mannerisms. "My job was to be able to play Tim Walz so J.D. Vance knows what he’s going to see," Emmer said, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring Vance is well-prepared for the debate stage.

This preparation underscores how seriously Emmer is taking the debate, viewing Walz as a formidable opponent. However, his remarks also served to highlight what Emmer sees as Walz’s political vulnerabilities.

Walz’s Record Criticized

Emmer was critical of Walz’s record as governor, particularly in how Walz’s policies have impacted Minnesota. He described Walz as "a complete disaster in Minnesota," pointing to economic and policy missteps during Walz’s tenure. This was a recurring theme in Emmer’s critique, as he attempted to connect Walz’s governing style to that of Governor Newsom, a frequent target of conservative criticism.

In addition, Emmer emphasized that Walz’s popularity has diminished over time. He noted that Walz lost his own congressional district in both of his gubernatorial races, nearly by 10 points in the most recent election. "He’s not well liked because once you get to know the real Tim Walz, he’s like Gavin Newsom in a flannel shirt," Emmer added, reinforcing his view that Walz’s policies are out of step with many voters in Minnesota.

Voters Turning Away From Walz

According to Emmer, the perception of Walz as a "folksy" and approachable politician is misleading. Emmer contended that voters are starting to see through this image, and the losses in Walz’s congressional district are a clear sign of this shift. He argued that the more people are exposed to Walz’s actual policies, the more they become disillusioned with his leadership.

Emmer’s comparison to Newsom is particularly significant given that the California governor has been a polarizing figure in national politics.

Emmer's remarks suggest that he believes Walz, like Newsom, governs in a way that is out of touch with the needs of everyday voters, despite attempts to cultivate a relatable public image.

Conclusion

In his interview on ABC News, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer offered a sharp critique of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, comparing him to California’s Gavin Newsom.

Emmer, who has known Walz for nearly 20 years, cited personal experience and research in criticizing Walz’s leadership and policies in Minnesota.

As Emmer continues to help Sen. JD Vance prepare for the upcoming vice-presidential debate against Walz, he emphasized that voters are beginning to see through Walz’s "folksy" public image.