10 funny 'Midwestern dad' memes about Tim Walz: Harris' VP pick wins internet with 'big dad energy'

'Midwestern dad' memes take internet by storm after Tim Walz's VP nomination

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been selected as Kamala Harris' vice presidential running mate. This news comes shortly after Joe Biden ended his presidential campaign and Harris took the spotlight as the presumptive Democratic nominee. As with any big political announcement, reactions have exploded across the internet, but it’s Walz's "Midwestern Dad" persona that has captured the collective imagination of social media users. The election of Tim Walz, a two-term governor known for his folksy demeanor and personable nature, has sparked a wave of hilarious memes and posts. Social media is reveling in his endearing qualities, comparing him to the quintessential Midwestern father. Walz entered the political arena in 2006 and won a seat in the United States House of Representatives. He served there until 2018, when he was elected Governor of Minnesota, a post he held again in 2022.

1. Taking employees out

X user Josh Sorbe shared a nostalgic memory, "Tim Walz was my first boss in DC, back when he was a congressman. In true dad fashion, he absolutely insisted on taking us out when I turned 21. He’s really damn cool — and NOT WEIRD!!!" Sorbe’s post includes a photo of the two from the occasion.

2. Fitbit love

Ken Klippenstein pointed out Walz's preference for practical over flashy, "Tim Walz wearing a Fitbit instead of the (much pricier) Apple Watch. Dad vibes are off the charts." The post features a picture of Walz with his Fitbit and his dog.

3. Dad banter at the state fair

JJ Abbott captured a heartwarming moment. "If you have fallen in love with Tim Walz yet, watch him and his daughter Hope at the Minnesota state fair." The accompanying video shows Walz and his daughter engaging in playful banter about her being vegetarian.

4. Quintessential dad problems

David Hogg highlighted Walz's relatable tech troubles, "@Tim_Walz is the mid-western dad we need as VP." The video shows Walz and his daughter joking about his lack of tech-savvy and modern lingo.

5. Midwestern antics

Rex Huppke humorously imagined, "BREAKING: Potential running mate Tim Walz spotted outside VP Kamala Harris’ residence 'tweaking the lawn mower’s carburetor' because he 'didn’t like that darn knocking sound it was making.'"

6. Automobile troubles

Jeff Bolichowski shared a classic dad moment, "Tim Walz has big handy-Midwestern-dad energy." The post includes a video of Walz complaining to Ford about a car part, something only someone from Midwestern America would understand.

7. Garage door solidarity

Patrick Daugherty offered a quirky show of support, "If you want to signal midwestern dad solidarity with Tim Walz, open your garage door just halfway for absolutely no reason today."

8. Signature TikTok dance

SBM suggested a new dance trend, "We need a Tim Walz dance for TikTok and it must be to another song from BRAT. The dance will consist of various Midwestern dad things such as mowing the lawn, changing lightbulbs, changing the oil in a car, falling asleep, watching baseball or history documentaries, etc."

9. Cat stop

Lorenzo The Cat reminisced about a sweet encounter, "That time Governor Tim Walz stopped to pet a cat while on his One Minnesota Listening Tour as Governor-elect in 2018." The post includes a photo of Walz petting the cat.

10. Dying of cuteness

Evan Frost shared a favorite photo, "In honor of @GovTimWalz being the VP nominee, here is my favorite photo I took of him. Here he is dying of cuteness while welcoming kids on the first day of school in 2019." The photo shows Walz dramatically reacting to the cuteness of the children.