Kamala Harris and Tim Walz's banter about 'White guy tacos' sends Internet into meltdown
WASHINGTON, DC: In a political landscape where every word and gesture can ignite a firestorm of reactions, Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz's attempt at humor has done just that, as reported by the New York Post.
During a recent conversation with Kamala Harris, the two engaged in a lighthearted exchange that has since turned into a source of controversy, especially on social media. The subject? Tacos—specifically, what Walz described as "White guy tacos."
Listen, I’m just not much of a spice guy. pic.twitter.com/u9yadJBMh2
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) August 15, 2024
Tim Walz and Kamala Harris engage in banter surrounding 'White guy tacos'
In a video released on YouTube, Tim Walz, a 60-year-old former football coach, sat down with his running mate, Kamala Harris, for what appeared to be a casual, friendly conversation.
The tone took a strange turn when Walz sheepishly admitted his preference for what he called "White guy tacos."
He explained that this delicacy consisted of little more than ground beef and cheese—remarkably plain, by any culinary standard. When Harris pressed him further, Walz doubled down on the joke, claiming that he does not even season his tacos.
"Uh, no. Here’s the deal. No, they said to be careful and let her know this, that black pepper is the top of the spice level in Minnesota, you know?" Walz said, attempting to play up the stereotype that Midwesterners avoid spicy food.
This isn’t cute. Walz is being used as a clown to mock white people. If Walz doesn’t like spicy food that’s fine, but it has nothing to do with being a white guy. https://t.co/5BIYNudvXj
— David Marcus (@BlueBoxDave) August 15, 2024
Critics were swift and unforgiving. David Marcus, a columnist for Fox News, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his disdain. "This isn’t cute," Marcus wrote. "Walz is being used as a clown to mock white people. If Walz doesn’t like spicy food that’s fine, but it has nothing to do with being a white guy."
Marcus further suggested that Walz had been cast in the role of the "idiot, docile sitcom dad" within the Harris campaign, insinuating that the comment was part of a broader strategy to make the candidate seem relatable, albeit at the expense of his dignity.
The backlash didn't stop with accusations of pandering. Right-wing media personality Michael Cernovich and alt-right activist Jack Posobiec both dug into Walz's culinary past, uncovering evidence that seemed to contradict his claim of bland food preferences.
Geezus. On a hunch I thought. Hmmm I wonder if Tim Walz is lying about how people in Minnesota don’t season their food.
— Cernovich (@Cernovich) August 16, 2024
He won a recipe contest in 2016. pic.twitter.com/O4NtmcK9UP
Cernovich pointed out that Walz had actually won a recipe contest in 2016 with a taco casserole that included paprika and chili powder—spices that are far from mild.
"Geezus. On a hunch I thought. Hmmm, I wonder if Tim Walz is lying about how people in Minnesota don’t season their food," Cernovich wrote on X, clearly taking pleasure in exposing what he saw as Walz's dishonesty.
Posobiec also seized on the opportunity, resharing one of Walz's own posts about his "pretty mean hotdish," a traditional Minnesota casserole that often includes a variety of seasonings.
Tim Walz and Kamala Harris' banter about 'White guy tacos' sparks backlash online
The Harris-Walz conversation, particularly Tim Walz's "White guy tacos" comment, became fodder for widespread ridicule on social media platforms.
One X user captured the sentiment succinctly: "The Harris-Walz campaign is so painfully and stupidly fake." Another user took aim at both Harris and Walz, remarking, "You both try so hard to appear normal, but it just doesn’t work."
The Harris-Walz campaign is so painfully and stupidly fake. https://t.co/D8ogaYeY75 pic.twitter.com/eEDHox6iL2
— Craig Murphy (@CraigMurphy8881) August 16, 2024
You both try so hard to appear normal but it just doesn’t work
— One Bad Dude (@OneBadDude_) August 15, 2024
"We've got dumb and dumber here folks. The DNC has really picked a pair of daisies with Harris/ Walz," one user quipped. "One of the most cringe things I've ever seen. Anti-White minstrel act," another user wrote.
We've got dumb and dumber here folks. The DNC has really picked a pair of daisies with Harris/ Walz. pic.twitter.com/Y5hbTrOsbk
— MuseumJunkie (@museum_junkie) August 16, 2024
One of the most cringe things I've ever seen. Anti-White minstrel act
— captive dreamer (@CosmistRussian) August 16, 2024
"Spice is too much but letting a city burn is just fine," a user wrote. "Who needs policies when you can just talk about lunch? Is this amateur hour?" one commenter asked.
Who needs policies when you can just talk about lunch?
— 🌈 Tess T. Eccles-Brown, PhD (@TTEcclesBrown) August 16, 2024
Is this amateur hour?
"Tim Walz exhibiting an embarrassing mixture of pandering and self-loathing," another user chimed in. One user summed up the sentiments of many with a stark observation: "That anti-white progressive programming is real and on full display."
Tim Walz exhibiting an embarrassing mixture of pandering and self-loathing.
— Albert Latham (@albert1776) August 15, 2024
That anti-white progressive programming is real and on full display.
— Mr. Peabody (@mrpeabody) August 16, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.