Tim Walz turns to 'Runza' to win over Nebraska voters after receiving backlash over 'White guy tacos'

OMAHA, NEBRASKA: Democratic VP pick and Minnesota Gov Tim Walz showcased his Midwestern roots at a Nebraska rally as Democrats try to woo voters.

The Minnesota governor, who is a native Nebraskan, invoked emotions on a popular food item to court voters of the Cornhusker State while addressing a campaign rally in Omaha on Saturday, August 17.

'Runza,' a Nebraskan delicacy, turned out to be the star of Walz's campaign stop. The mouthwatering dough-filled pocket made its way to the campaign speech as Walz ripped into his Republican opponent, Sen JD Vance.

It was only last week Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris drew flak for their remakes about "White guy tacos."

Tim Walz attacks JD Vance invoking Nebraskan's love for Runza

"Do you think JD Vance knows one damn thing about Nebraska? No! He's going to be here next week," Walz said in a video clip from his campaign speech shared on X.

"You think he's ever had a runza? You think he's ever had a runza?" he asked to which the crowd shouted, "No."

"No! That guy would call it a hot pocket. You know it. Every one of you in here know it. A damn hot pocket." the VP candidate added.

Vance, the running mate of former president Donald Trump, is set to visit Omaha on August 21, according to KETV.

Walz's recent remarks about his preference for "white guy tacos" that are less spicy during a friendly banter with Vice President Harris turned controversial over its racist tone. Fox News columnist David Marcus slammed Walz, accusing him of mocking White people. He mentioned that it was okay if the Minnesota governor didn't like spicy food but emphasized that it had nothing to do with being a White guy.

What is Runza?

Runza, a regional dish from Nebraska, is a Midwestern take on a pocket sandwich with roots tracing back to generations of Nebraskan immigrants from central and eastern European communities. It's made of yeast dough bread filled with beef, cabbage, sauerkraut, onions, and seasoning.

It is a staple at Nebraska football games and so popular they have a fast-food chain named after it.

During his visit to Nebraska, Walz also visited a Runza restaurant, popularizing the delicacy all over the US.

Internet denounces Tim Walz's Runza speech to attack JD Vance

Tim Walz's attempt to woo voters by mentioning Runza, however, backfired. Netizens criticized him, pointing out that a food item would not help him win the election.

"I’m pretty sure not knowing what a 'runza' is will not make or break this election…and I expect the voters of #Nebraska will not judge a candidate based on runzas vs hot pockets. This is who they want second in line to run the entire country?!" a user wrote.

"So basically a runza just sounds like a shitty knock off of a pasty. Whatever," another remarked.

"Even Nebraskans don’t eat Runza unless they are desperate!!!" added a third user.

"This is ridiculous. I moved my son to Nebraska last week for school. I tried a Runza and NO one would confuse it with a hot pocket. This closeted man cannot stop lying," read a fourth response.

"Sounds like you just learned what they are today, Tim. Why don't you work more on the issues at hand instead of degrading someone who has never heard of a little-known item in Nebraska. I'm from Upstate NY, can you tell me what a spedie is? I'm, guessing NO," someone else chimed in.

"Does Tim "Damn" Walz truly work that expletive into every single sentence he can in normal conditions? Or is he trying to sound cool and edgy in front of his friends?" an individual asked.

"So does everyone in America don't think "runzas" have the same appeal! It's called marketing Timmy!" another added.

"He really said it at a rally too? What is he trying to accomplish here? Most Americans don't know what a "runza" is: wake up!" read one remark.

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