In an interview with Fox 17 in Michigan, Minnesota Gov. and Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz said that Americans are economically better off now than they were four years ago.

Walz pointed to Democratic Party policies aimed at the middle class and criticized former President Donald Trump for favoring the wealthy, insisting that Americans have been more prosperous since he left the White House, as Breitbart reports.

The interview took place on Friday, just days after the first vice-presidential debate. Fox 17’s Ilene Gould noted that during the debate, Vice President Kamala Harris avoided directly answering whether Americans are better off. This gave Walz the opportunity to explain his stance on the economy.

Walz Criticizes Trump's Economic Record

Walz criticized Trump’s policies, stating that they primarily benefited the wealthy while creating more difficulties for the middle class.

“Donald Trump has been clear...he promised his rich friends in Mar-a-Lago, he said, you’re rich as heck, and you’re going to get a tax cut,” Walz said.

He added that Trump neglected critical issues like childcare, placing further burdens on middle-class families. According to Walz, this approach made it harder for the average American to get ahead.

Harris Praised for Post-COVID Economic Rebuilding

Walz praised Kamala Harris for what he said was her role in helping lead the economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that Trump’s mismanagement of the crisis hurt the country’s economy. “As we came out of COVID...we had to rebuild,” Walz said, noting that Harris focused on rebuilding an economy that benefits working-class Americans.

He explained that Harris’s policies offer a new direction that resonates with voters in key states like Michigan.

Home Ownership as Key Issue

Walz also brought up homeownership as a critical issue. He criticized Trump for supporting Wall Street interests that treat homes as commodities.

“For many of us, that’s [so] foundational to who we are, for these folks on Wall Street, it’s just a commodity to be traded,” he said.

In contrast, Walz argued, Harris is working to ensure that middle-class Americans have the opportunity to own homes and build financial security.

Middle-Class Economic Policies a Key Theme

Throughout the interview, Walz stressed that Democratic Party policies are focused on improving the lives of everyday Americans. He positioned the Democratic platform as one that benefits the middle class while accusing Trump of favoring the wealthy.

Walz argued that this focus on the middle class is essential to building an economy that works for all Americans. He added that Trump’s lack of a plan for addressing issues like childcare highlights his disconnection from the needs of ordinary Americans.

Walz Stresses Importance of Economic Reforms

Walz closed by emphasizing the need for economic reforms that benefit the broader population, not just the wealthy.

He highlighted what he said was the Democratic Party ticket’s focus on job creation, wage growth, and home ownership as key parts of their economic plan.

As the 2024 election draws near, Walz’s interview showcased his belief in the Democratic Party strategy of appealing to middle-class voters by attempting to contrast its economic policies with Trump’s record.

By focusing on working-class concerns, Walz and Harris hope to win support from voters who remain undecided about the future of the country.

While the reent debate left some questions unanswered, Walz’s interview aimed to clarify the Democratic position on the economy and strengthen their message to the American people.