Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN), vice presidential running mate to Kamala Harris, expressed his surprise over their defeat in the presidential election, despite the momentum he felt during the campaign. He acknowledged that while the team worked hard, there were things that could have been done differently, and ultimately, history would judge his role in the campaign.

In a candid interview, Walz admitted he was "a little surprised" by the outcome, explaining that his team had felt a surge of positive energy throughout the campaign. However, despite that sense of momentum, they ultimately lost to Donald Trump, who secured a victory in crucial battleground states, securing a path to the necessary 270 votes in the Electoral College.

Walz Reflects on the Campaign's Final Days

During the campaign, Walz attended rallies, and events, and visited shops, where he felt the energy was shifting in their favor. However, on Election Day, it was clear that things did not go as expected, with Trump winning all seven key battleground states: Arizona, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Michigan.

Walz admitted to reporters that in hindsight, there were areas where their campaign could have done better. "It felt like at the rallies, at the things I was going to, the shops I was in, that the momentum was going our way, and it obviously wasn’t at the end," Walz said. Despite this, he maintained that he had done his best throughout the race.

Walz Leaves History to Judge His Efforts

When asked about his role in the campaign, particularly whether he had helped or hurt Harris's chances, Walz reflected, "History will write that." He emphasized that ultimately, the decisions rested with Vice President Kamala Harris. As he explained, "It wasn’t my decision to make. That was the vice president’s decision."

Walz acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the outcome and admitted that it was hard to understand why so many Americans voted for Trump. This sentiment echoed comments he had made earlier when he expressed difficulty grasping the popularity of Trump and his running mate, JD Vance.

Surprising Election Polls and Outcomes

David Plouffe, a senior adviser to Harris's campaign, noted that the internal polling data did not align with the optimistic public polling seen in late September and early October, which showed Harris ahead in key states. "We didn’t get the breaks we needed on Election Day," Plouffe explained. The internal numbers suggested that the campaign did not have as much momentum as public polls had suggested in the final weeks of the election.

Plouffe also remarked on the discrepancy between the internal polling and the public polls. "I think it surprised people because there were these public polls that came out in late September, early October, showing us with leads that we never saw," he said, acknowledging the disconnect between what was expected and the reality that unfolded on Election Day.

Lessons Learned from the Loss

Although Walz acknowledged that the outcome was disappointing, he expressed that the experience provided valuable lessons. He was resolute that history would ultimately reflect on the campaign’s successes and shortcomings. The loss, he said, was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of elections and the role that small decisions could play in the final results.

Despite the defeat, Walz stated that he had no regrets about his performance. "On this one, I did the best I could," he said, indicating that while the campaign may not have succeeded, he had given it his all.

Looking Forward to Future Campaigns

Moving forward, Walz indicated that he would continue to support the Democratic Party and its efforts, regardless of the election’s outcome. While he was initially caught off guard by the result, he noted that it was now up to the party to regroup and focus on future elections.

As for his own role in the party, Walz remained hopeful and committed to supporting Harris and other Democratic leaders. He seemed confident that the lessons learned from this election would help shape future strategies.

A Tough Loss, but Continued Determination

In the aftermath of the loss, Walz, like many others in the campaign, had to come to terms with an election result that was difficult to accept. Yet, his reflection on the race and his role in it showed his resolve to continue to push forward, learning from both successes and shortcomings.

His candid comments serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of politics and the importance of continually assessing one’s efforts, regardless of the outcome. As Walz said, "history will write that," leaving the ultimate judgment of the campaign to the future.

Conclusion: A Changing Political Landscape

Despite the surprising defeat, Walz’s candid reflection on the election and his role in it highlights the shifting dynamics of American politics. As the Democratic Party regroups after the loss, the lessons learned will undoubtedly influence future strategies and campaign approaches.

The 2024 presidential race may have ended in disappointment for Walz and Harris, but their commitment to the cause remains clear. The outcome, while unexpected, will continue to serve as a key learning experience for everyone involved in the campaign.