Walz Rebuts ‘Damn Lie’ About Being Controlled by Labor Unions

At a Labor Day rally in Milwaukee, Tim Walz strongly rejected the accusation that he is “in the pocket” of labor unions, labeling it a “damn lie.” The Democratic vice presidential nominee addressed the crowd at Laborfest, responding particularly to claims made by some Republicans.

Walz recounted an encounter from one of his earlier campaigns where he was approached by Republicans suggesting he was aligned with organized labor. He quipped back, “That’s a damn lie—I am the pocket.” His remark drew cheers from the audience as he continued to emphasize his commitment to key labor issues.

“If you want to attack me for standing up for collective bargaining, for fair wages, for safe working conditions, for healthcare and retirement, you roll the damn dice, I’ll take my chances on that,” he declared, reinforcing his position on labor rights.

As the first labor union member to appear on a presidential ticket since Ronald Reagan in 1980, Walz told the audience that he and Kamala Harris would effectively advocate for union workers’ needs. Earlier that day, he and his wife Gwen met with local labor leaders, marking a significant outreach to the workforce.

The couple, who initially met while teaching in Nebraska during the 1990s, shared a history as members of the Education Minnesota union, underscoring their commitment to education and labor advocacy.

Walz’s appearance was part of a broader Labor Day effort from Democratic contenders. While he rallied support in Wisconsin, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff campaigned in Michigan and Pennsylvania, addressing union members and participating in joint events with President Joe Biden.

In stark contrast, the Harris campaign accused Donald Trump of “dodging labor on Labor Day,” pointing out that the Republican candidate’s engagement was limited to a single virtual call.

In previous remarks to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union, Walz criticized Trump’s record on labor issues and highlighted Harris’s background as a former fast food worker. He expressed the Democratic Party’s resolve to take the pro-labor agenda that has made Minnesota a favorable place to work and extend it across the nation.

“Vice President Harris grew up in a middle-class family, picking up shifts at McDonald’s as a student. Can you picture Donald Trump working at a McDonald’s, trying to make a McFlurry?” Walz noted, claiming that Trump “couldn’t run that damn McFlurry machine if it cost him anything!”

Walz emphasized the importance of labor unions, stating both he and Harris credit organized labor—especially teachers, nurses, and local government workers—for establishing America’s middle class. He also boasted of their active involvement in solidarity with striking workers.

In response, Trump has made personal attacks, accusing Harris of lying about having worked at McDonald’s, reflecting the heightened tensions in the campaign.

This rally marked a pivotal moment in the campaign for both Walz and the Democratic ticket, highlighting their focus on labor rights and direct engagement with union members across key battleground states.