Tim Walz Sits Silently When Asked, ‘Who Is The Leader of the Democratic Party?’

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was left speechless when questioned about the current leadership of the Democratic Party in the aftermath of a significant electoral defeat in November.

During an appearance on CNN’s “The Arena,” Walz paused in silence after host Kasie Hunt posed the question: “Who is the leader of the Democratic Party?”

The discussion began with Hunt referencing former President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. When Hunt pointed out that Republicans were in control of both the White House and Congress, Walz appeared hesitant to provide a definitive response.

“Who do you think the leader of the Democratic Party is right now?” Hunt asked.

Following a brief pause, Walz responded, “I think the voting public, right now, is what I would say.” He continued by stating that Democrats should not expect “a charismatic leader” to emerge and solve their challenges but rather needed to be “out there standing alongside” the people.

Hunt noted that his perspective might be relevant for congressional leadership but emphasized that Trump had managed “to dominate our politics for ten years.”

“Do you see anyone who could be a national Democratic figure?” she asked.

Walz acknowledged that he saw “a whole lot of them,” mentioning “young members of Congress stepping up” as well as state legislators, union representatives, and other activists.

The essential point, Walz stressed, was that Democrats “can’t cede the space” and must “stand up” and engage with voters to present an alternative to Republican policies.

Hunt then asked, “Is Kamala Harris a future leader for the Democratic Party?”

“Well, I certainly think she could be,” Walz replied. “There’ll be decisions to be, like I say, all of us are—”

Hunt interrupted, “Do you think she should run for president?”

Walz responded, “I think she had a positive message. I think I own this with her. Were we able to deliver that? Obviously not. Not as effectively as we should have, but I think the ideas that she was bringing up about an economy that works for everyone, expanding the idea of health care and affordability, making sure that Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security were protected — she shares the values of the bulk of the American public. In 100 days, I think she was articulating that.”

When Hunt pressed further, asking, “Are you going to run for president?” Walz dismissed the idea, saying, “I don’t need to be on the ticket, but I do need to be there, I believe, because what I saw in the country and what we’re able to do.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the party’s efforts, stating he intended to “be a part of making sure that we win” and would actively participate by “going wherever they are” to engage with voters nationwide.

WATCH:

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris is not planning to “go quietly into the night” following her loss in the 2024 presidential election.

During a CNN segment, reporter Isaac Dovere disclosed that Harris has been privately informing supporters that she is contemplating a run for California governor in 2026 or another presidential bid in 2028. Harris has also reportedly expressed that she does not want her “final act” to be certifying Trump’s election victory.

“We haven’t seen or heard much from Vice President Kamala Harris since she lost the election last month,” CNN’s Manu Raju said. “But the Democratic Party is still reeling from Trump’s victory.”

Dovere elaborated on Harris’s deliberations, stating, “What she’s been saying to people over the last couple of weeks, donors, other supporters that she’s been talking with, is you haven’t seen the last of me, I’m not going quietly into the night.”

Advisers and confidants are weighing her potential options. “They do not want her final official act ever to be essentially certifying Donald Trump’s win over her, especially four years after January 6th,” Dovere explained.

Harris and her team view the 2026 California gubernatorial race as an attractive option, believing she would likely dominate the field. However, committing to that role would prevent her from launching a 2028 presidential bid without declaring candidacy almost immediately.

“This is what it really comes down to,” Dovere continued. “There are people close to her who say she didn’t get a fair shot this year. It wasn’t up to what she could have done. And look how well she performed anyway. She should get to go again in 2028.”

Others within the party, however, caution that she would not enter a “cleared field” in the Democratic primary and could face significant challenges. “To come off of 2024 into that would be really terrible,” Dovere noted.

Harris has reportedly told her inner circle she is “staying in the fight” and is seriously weighing her political future. However, Democratic strategist Theryn Bond has urged Harris to reconsider another presidential bid.