Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s attempt at humor fell flat on Thursday after he tried to mock Senator J.D. Vance for an awkward moment at a bakery. While campaigning in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Walz, a Democrat, took a jab at Vance, a Republican from Ohio, who had struggled to engage in conversation with a bakery worker during a visit to Holt’s Sweet Shop in Valdosta, Georgia. “I have no problem picking out donuts,” Walz quipped, referencing the incident.
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Adding to the banter, U.S. Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota joined the conversation on social media, posting, “Can confirm!” along with a photo of her and Walz enjoying donuts outside Daube’s Cakes in Rochester, Minnesota. However, the lighthearted exchange quickly turned sour when online users pointed out that Daube’s Cakes had permanently closed in June 2020 due to financial strains brought on by COVID-19 lockdowns, which were enforced under Walz’s administration.
Greg Price, a political commentator, highlighted the irony of the photo by noting, “It turns out the bakery that Sen. Tina Smith and Tim Walz are at in this photo, Daube’s Cakes, closed its doors for good after over 30 years in June 2020 due to Walz’ covid lockdowns.”
The closure of Daube’s Cakes was previously reported by MedCityBeat, which detailed that the bakery, after 32 years of service, was forced to shut down due to the economic impact of the pandemic lockdowns. With in-person dining halted and revenue dwindling, Daube’s transitioned to an online-only business model, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook to sell its baked goods.
This incident reflects a broader economic struggle in Minnesota, where multiple businesses in Rochester have closed in recent months, signaling a slow recovery from the pandemic’s impact. Critics of Governor Walz attribute these closures, including Tonic Juice Bar and Jenpachi Japanese Steak House, to his stringent shutdown policies that they argue stifled local businesses.
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Governor Walz has faced a series of challenges since announcing his run as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate in early August. Notably, several retired military officers have accused him of “stolen valor” concerning his National Guard service. Additionally, a personal story shared by Walz and his wife about their struggles with conception was scrutinized and fact-checked, revealing inconsistencies about their use of IVF, which they had used to contrast with some Republican positions on the procedure.
Adding to the controversy, some of Walz’s close family members have publicly supported former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, casting doubt on Walz’s suitability for higher office. His own brother, Jeff Walz, has been vocal on social media, suggesting that Tim Walz lacks the character necessary for the role of vice president. “The stories I could tell,” Jeff Walz wrote ominously in a Facebook post, signaling further potential rifts within the family.
Key Points:
i. Governor Tim Walz’s attempt to mock Senator J.D. Vance backfired after his joke about a bakery visit highlighted a bakery closure due to his own COVID-19 policies.
ii. Daube’s Cakes, where Walz and Sen. Tina Smith were pictured, closed due to pandemic restrictions enforced under Walz’s administration.
iii. Minnesota’s economy is still recovering, with several local businesses closing, which critics attribute to strict lockdown measures.
iv. Walz has faced various controversies since joining Kamala Harris’s ticket, including accusations of “stolen valor” and inconsistencies in personal narratives.
v. Family divisions have surfaced, with some relatives publicly supporting political opponents and questioning Walz’s character.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
