Republicans have found themselves frustrated as they search for criticisms against Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Following Harris’s announcement of Walz as her vice presidential selection, Republicans dissected his record to identify possible points of contention. Their main focus seems to be on a law that Walz signed, which ensures that sanitary products are accessible to all menstruating students in public schools.
In an attempt to ridicule Walz, Republicans have dubbed him “Tampon Tim.” This insult reflects poorly on the GOP, as it comes off as immature and foolish. In reality, it could be interpreted as a positive acknowledgment of support for students’ needs.
Governor Walz’s law aims for inclusivity, incorporating language that aids transgender students. Representative Sandra Feist, who authored the bill, stated that she received input from transgender students advocating for comprehensive language.
The law’s recognition of transgender individuals has sparked outrage among conservatives. Karoline Leavitt, press secretary for the Trump campaign, labeled it a “radical” policy and a risk to women’s health during a segment on Fox News.
On social media, Chaya Raichik, creator of Libs of TikTok, shared an image of a tampon box featuring Walz’s face accompanied by the hashtag “#TamponTim.” Former Trump adviser Stephen Miller remarked that there is “no universe” in which a man giving tampons to teenage boys could ascend to the presidency.
This line of critique seems misplaced, as it misrepresents a law that benefits countless students and perpetuates the stigma around menstruation. Considered a natural and widespread experience affecting nearly 2 billion people monthly, the mocking of such a subject reveals an alarming level of insecurity.
Moreover, the GOP’s attacks on Walz are not limited to this particular law. He has faced baseless accusations of altering the Minnesota state flag to resemble that of Somalia, as well as accusations of “stolen valor” from Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance.
These reactions hint that the Republican Party is struggling to formulate substantial criticisms against Walz, focusing solely on his affiliation as a Democrat. Meanwhile, Walz is gaining popularity among voters who are beginning to familiarize themselves with his record. The GOP’s “Tampon Tim” taunt is likely to backfire, potentially galvanizing further enthusiasm among Democrats.