A fiery moment unfolded on CNN’s State of the Union Sunday as Republican strategist Scott Jennings launched a scathing critique of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, questioning his place in the future of the Democratic Party.
The conversation came in the wake of a major political gathering in South Carolina, where potential 2028 Democratic presidential hopefuls—like Gov. Walz and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore—spoke at Rep. James Clyburn’s highly anticipated “World Famous Fish Fry” event.
During his remarks, Walz leaned into aggressive rhetoric, telling the crowd it might be time for Democrats to match the intensity of former President Donald Trump. “Sometimes, the only way to deal with a bully is to hit back harder,” he said. “When the bully is a grown man like Trump, you don’t hold back.”
The Minnesota governor, who ran for Vice President in 2024, appeared to be signaling a tougher tone for the party as it looks ahead to 2028.
But Jennings wasn’t buying it. Speaking on CNN, he didn’t mince words when reacting to Walz’s comments. He criticized the governor’s attitude and presentation, suggesting that Walz came off more combative than constructive.
“This is not someone who inspires or unites,” Jennings said. “This is a mix of petty and theatrical—and that’s not what the Democrats need moving forward.”
Jennings contrasted Walz with Maryland’s Wes Moore, whom he described as a “skilled communicator” and “more serious contender” for national leadership.
He also took aim at broader Democratic messaging, accusing the party of clinging to polarizing cultural stances. “They’re not winning the big conversations because they’re doubling down on losing issues,” he said, citing ongoing debates over immigration policy and gender in sports.
Prominent progressives like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett were also mentioned, with Jennings suggesting that the Democratic Party’s leadership bench needs a reset if it hopes to reclaim middle America.
Walz has been drawing national attention recently for off-the-cuff remarks, including jabs at Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance. While his style may energize parts of the base, critics argue it risks alienating more moderate voters.
The back-and-forth underscores a larger battle brewing within both parties as new names emerge for the 2028 presidential race. Though no formal campaigns have launched, events like Clyburn’s fish fry are seen as the early proving grounds for future contenders.
If Sunday’s CNN panel is any indication, the debate over who best represents the future of American leadership is already heating up—and getting personal.
https://rumble.com/v6u60ct-tim-walz-says-democratic-party-needs-to-bully-the-shit-out-of-donald-trump.html
