Fox News anchor Bret Baier has surprised many by praising Vice President Kamala Harris’ vice-presidential pick, Gov. Tim Walz (D), during an appearance on Fox News. Baier, known for his long tenure at the network, described Walz as “one of those guys” and highlighted his appeal to rural voters due to his hunting and fishing background.
Baier’s comments have stirred reactions, especially given Walz’s reputation as a radical politician. Harris announced her VP choice on Tuesday morning, and while enthusiastic responses from left-leaning media were expected, Baier’s endorsement caught many off guard. He told fellow Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer that Walz connects with rural America, in contrast to President Donald Trump, whom Walz claims doesn’t understand rural issues.
“I mean, this guy hunts, he ice fishes. You know, he’s one of those guys. He talks about rural America and how Donald Trump doesn’t understand it,” Baier stated. He added that Trump and JD Vance are trying to appeal to the same demographic by building on the coalition Trump established in 2016.
Baier attempted to contextualize the influence of radicals within the Democratic Party, suggesting that progressives still hold significant sway. “The delegates themselves are really controlled by progressives. And, you know, if you think back to the power of Bernie Sanders after 2016 when Hillary Clinton goes on to get that nomination, you know, the power inside was very progressive,” Baier noted.
Hemmer interrupted Baier to share reactions from key Republican figures. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the Harris-Walz ticket as “the most left-wing ticket in American history,” referencing the Black Lives Matter riots in 2020 and accusing Walz of inaction during the unrest in Minneapolis. Kellyanne Conway expressed relief at the pick, suggesting a lack of threat.
Fox News co-anchor Gillian Turner highlighted Walz’s recent rise in social media notoriety and questioned whether his selection was driven by his media appeal rather than substantive policy. Baier responded by emphasizing Walz’s communication style and background as a football coach and teacher, though he did not address Walz’s policy positions.
Baier’s comments have sparked a broader debate about media portrayals and the perceived biases in coverage of political figures. While his remarks were intended to highlight Walz’s relatability, they have also underscored the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party and the ongoing tension between progressive and moderate factions.
As the 2024 election approaches, the Harris-Walz ticket is expected to face intense scrutiny from both supporters and critics. The reactions to Baier’s praise reflect the contentious nature of the current political climate and the diverse perspectives within the American electorate.
