Tim Walz mocked in deluge of memes over his 'hard to watch' performance in VP debate

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Tuesday’s vice presidential debate didn’t do Minnesota Governor Tim Walz any favors.

For someone expected to energize the Democratic campaign trail, his performance drew widespread mockery. Many noted that he seemed uncomfortable, stumbled over his words, and struggled to showcase his typically vibrant personality.

Critics lampoon Tim Walz's debate performance with witty remarks and memes

Former 'The View' host Meghan McCain didn’t hold back in her assessment of Walz’s performance, saying, "Walz is so uncomfortable it’s hard to watch," in a post on X.

Noah Schachtman, former editor-in-chief of Rolling Stone, humorously likened Walz's fast-talking style to “listing the side effects of a heart drug.” You know it’s not a great night when your debating style is being compared to medical commercials.

Rich Lowry, editor-in-chief of National Review, noticed Walz’s nerves as well. “I’ve never seen a national candidate look as nervous as Tim Walz when he’s not speaking," he wrote.

“Walz looks rusty and nervous,” Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin wrote. “Maybe he should have done some press interviews to better prepare.” 

The mockery didn’t end there. Stephen L Miller, a contributing editor at Spectator, posted a meme with a scathing caption.

“Tim Walz not being able to flail around like an inflatable car wash tube man for five minutes tonight,” he wrote, attaching a meme of a student clearly straining to hold back a fart while sitting next to someone attractive.

Social media trolls have a field day with Tim Walz’s debate blunders

Social media trolls enjoyed poking fun at Tim Walz’s gaffes during the debate.

Popular conservative account Libs of TikTok and other users jumped on a particularly awkward moment when Walz mentioned he had “become friends with school shooters.”

When asked how he changed his stance on banning assault weapons, Walz awkwardly claimed to have formed friendships with school shooters. “I sat in that office with those Sandy Hook parents. I’ve become friends with school shooters. I’ve seen it,” he stated.

Another account ProudPatriotUS posted a meme with the caption, "Oop. Walz slipped up!"

Someone else poked fun at another Walz slip-up when he said, "I'm a knucklehead at times."

Betting markets for Walz's chances of winning the debate plummeted almost immediately after it began, according to the New York Post.

Tim Walz struggles with nerves while JD Vance appears at ease during the debate

Apparently, Tim Walz had already told his close circle that he was feeling anxious heading into the big debate against JD Vance.

In fact, both candidates had been preparing for weeks with mock debates and guidance from top advisers. Despite all this preparation, Walz was unable to shake off the nerves.

Rumors swirled that the leak of Walz’s nerves might have been intentional — perhaps an attempt to lower expectations. However, Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller wasn’t buying it.

In a press call the day before the debate, Miller emphasized, “Walz is very good in debates. I want to repeat that. Tim Walz is very good in debates. Really good. He’s been a politician for nearly 20 years.”

Miller pointed out that the version of Walz seen at rallies, characterized by his wild gestures and big movements, would not be the one making an appearance on debate night.

“Walz is going to be buttoned up,” Miller assured. However, viewers felt that this “buttoned-up” version of Walz did him no favors.

On the other hand, Walz apparently warned Vice President Kamala Harris before she picked him as her running mate that debates were not his strong suit. He even confessed that he feared he might let her down at the CBS News forum, CNN reported.

Vance appeared to have a much smoother experience on the debate stage, telling the New York Post that he didn't need to "prepare that much" for his matchup against Walz.

Even when Fox News’ Sean Hannity asked Vance about Walz’s nervous demeanor, Vance didn’t take the bait. Instead, he admitted he was nervous too. “On a scale of 1 to 10, how nervous were you?” Hannity asked. To which he replied, “Like an 11!”