Staff Reports
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appeared to be riding high on what he likely thought would be a sweet week in the political limelight as news broke of his selection as Kamala Harris’s running mate. But, alas, his smiles quickly vanished when the spotlight turned to his sketchy past, including a drunken driving incident that would make even the most unreliable reality TV star cringe. It seems that while the governor may have been dreaming of a White House gig, his past was kicking him squarely in the rear.
In a classic case of what happens when political aspirations collide with a less-than-stellar history, Walz’s DUI arrest from 1995 came bounding back into view. The now-60-year-old politician, then a sprightly 31-year-old teacher in Nebraska, decided that the speed limit was more of a suggestion. A state trooper clocked his silver Mazda zooming through a radar trap at a staggering 96 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. Had this been a race at the local speedway, it might have been impressive, but behind the wheel on a public road? Not so much.
This is Tim Walz after being arrested for DUI in the 1990's. He had a blood alcohol of .128% (.08 BAC is legally drunk). He was doing 96mph in a 55. What were you saying about criminals and high office again, Democrats? pic.twitter.com/lt1gkVpElt
— Military Arms (@MAC_Arms) August 6, 2024
Things only heated up further when police noticed the “strong odor of alcoholic beverage” wafting from his vehicle. Walz apparently didn’t just have a lead foot; he was also impaired. After flunking the field sobriety tests like a contestant on a reality show trying to evade a questionable challenge, he blew a whopping 0.128% on the breathalyzer. Opting for a plea deal instead of facing the music, Walz managed to plead down to reckless driving. Of course, this required him to admit he drove “in a manner as to indicate an indifference or wanton disregard” for safety—talk about setting the bar low for a public servant.
In the full spirit of creative excuses, Walz’s defense team spun some remarkable yarns during his legal saga. His attorney argued that the governor wasn’t just speeding for fun; oh no, he was convinced he was being chased by someone more nefarious. Apparently, the idea of a Nebraska state trooper being the one behind him was too wild to comprehend. While most would accept responsibility for escalating a situation rather than de-escalating it, Walz instead opted for fantasy land.
As if this all wasn’t amusing enough, Walz’s questionable choices didn’t stay buried when he ran for Congress in 2006. His campaign manager attempted to redefine the narrative, claiming that Walz wasn’t drunk at all but merely suffering from hearing loss incurred during his service as an artilleryman in the National Guard. According to his manager, the judge even demanded that the officer acknowledge Walz was “deaf.” It’s a wonder the left could ever find anyone who wasn’t an expert in making excuses.
Amid the circus of excuses and legal loopholes, one thing remains apparent: Walz’s political ambitions could be in big trouble due to his history, which is now under the microscope. While he may have aimed for the political stratosphere alongside Harris, it seems that his past is a weight he can’t ignore. The only question left is whether or not he will be able to escape the gravitational pull of his own poor choices.
