MANKATO, Minnesota — In Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, Tim Walz’s traditionally masculine qualities—as a sports fan, military veteran, gun owner, and father—serve as key elements in presenting him to American voters.

Over the past two months, the Democrats have consistently highlighted Walz’s image by attending college and high school football games, participating in pheasant hunts, and selling camouflage hats. This strategy aims to counterbalance the appeal of Republican contenders like Donald Trump and JD Vance, who are targeting the “bro vote” and questioning Walz’s toughness.

Just recently, Walz appeared on The Rich Eisen Show, a popular sports podcast, where he shifted focus from politics to boast about the Minnesota Vikings’ impressive 5-0 start and reminisce about his days as a high school football team’s defensive coordinator.

“We had a responsible defense, which might surprise some folks in the political arena, but I’m very conservative,” he quipped.

Throughout the 2024 campaign, gender-related messaging has been prominent, with discussions ranging from reproductive rights to offhand comments about “childless cat ladies.” The possibility of Harris becoming the first female president, along with Walz taking on an unusual role as her vice president, indicates that gender dynamics may continue to play a significant role in the campaign and potentially in a Harris administration.

Voters are certainly encountering significant messaging concerning gender roles.

The competition for who can showcase manlier merchandise intensified after Trump’s July assassination attempt, when shirt designs featuring Trump raising his fist went viral. Following Walz’s rise nationally, the Democratic campaign marketed ‘Harris Walz’ camouflage hats adorned with vibrant orange lettering reminiscent of hunting gear.

Not every American sees Walz as the quintessential Midwestern dad, however.

A short clip showing Walz struggling with shotgun shells and a photograph of him in a field during a southern Minnesota hunt have led some MAGA supporters to doubt his hunting expertise as mere campaign posturing. Once a Democratic U.S. representative, he often boasted about his shooting skills during the Congressional Shootout, using those stories to advocate for gun reform.

“He talks about being a big hunter with a gun in his car, but then a photo pops up where he looks silly loading a shotgun,” Sean Spicer, former White House press secretary under Trump, remarked to YSL News. “It’s as if he was just dressing up as a man for Halloween.”

Trump has specifically targeted younger male voters in his campaign efforts.

He has made appearances on “bro” podcasts alongside comedians like Theo Von and Andrew Schulz, video game streamer Adin Ross, and Bar Stool Sports’ “Bussin with the Boys.” The former president and his campaign have leaned into various messages of masculinity, highlighted by appearances from figures like Hulk Hogan and UFC CEO Dana White, as well as Trump threatening military actions against his opponents and aligning with Vance, who has faced criticism for his views on women without children.

“It is simply a fact — when you look at figures like Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and AOC — the future direction of the Democrats is largely shaped by individuals without children,” Vance expressed in a 2021 interview with Tucker Carlson on Fox News. “What sense does it make for us to give control of our nation to people who lack a direct interest in its future?”

Michael Steele, who previously chaired the Republican National Committee and frequently critiques Trump, shared with YSL News that Trump’s forceful leadership style, outdated views, and attitudes toward women exemplify the most negative aspects of masculinity.

“We’ve reached a point where we can show our leadership and strength in ways other than through violence or harsh rhetoric,” Steele, also a former lieutenant governor of Maryland, stated. “We’re not living in primitive times anymore. We can do better than that.”

According to Steele, Walz represents a different approach to masculinity in the political sphere, appealing to voters who find disagreement with the male identities that Trump and Vance present.

“Walz embodies a version of ‘real manhood’ that is more fitting and traditional. He’s a father, a coach, a disciplinarian when necessary, and someone who can assist with practical problems like car repairs,” Steele remarked, adding: “He serves as an excellent role model.”

An Unexpected Advocate

Walz’s definition of masculinity encompasses traditionally male-dominated realms like football fields and hunting spots, while also reaching into spaces like classrooms, Pride parades, and abortion clinics.

In a recent debate against Vance in New York, Walz recounted the tragic story of Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky girl raped and impregnated by her stepfather at the age of 12. He also mentioned Amber Thurman, a 28-year-old woman from Georgia who died in 2022 after enduring lengthy delays at a hospital for treatment stemming from complications related to an abortion pill.

“How can we, as a society, justify that your fundamental rights, including the right to manage your own body, are dictated by where you live?” Walz questioned. “Had Amber Thurman resided in Minnesota, she might still be alive today.”

Amy Diehl, a researcher on sexism and author of the book “Glass Walls” published in 2023, told YSL News that men like Walz, who consciously reject commonly perceived toxic traits associated with masculinity, are a remedy to the harmful stigma linked to societal expectations of men and boys.

This sentiment appears to be reflected in recent polling data.

A YSL News/Suffolk University poll recently indicated that Trump is leading male voters by 12 percentage points in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state that could be pivotal for the electoral outcome. Another survey revealed that Walz and Harris received significantly higher positive feedback from women compared to Trump and Vance. Over half of the surveyed women expressed an unfavorable opinion of Vance, whereas only 28% felt the same about Walz.

Although the Democratic party has a higher percentage of women supporters, Diehl emphasized the importance of Walz’s focus on women’s rights both before and after he joined the 2024 presidential campaign.

Walz, a former educator, has been commended by Democrats for establishing legal protections for abortion rights in Minnesota, openly discussing his family’s struggles with infertility, being the first faculty advisor for a gay-straight alliance in his high school, and ensuring menstrual products are accessible in all school bathrooms. Trump and his supporters have attempted to turn the latter into an insult, dubbing him “Tampon Tim.”

“He demonstrates that it is possible to be masculine while also respecting women as equals, or supporting women in leadership roles,” Diehl noted. “Indeed, it’s possible to be enthusiastic supporters of women.”

‘We All Share the Same Feelings’

Since joining the Harris campaign in August, Trump and his allies have mocked Walz for his animated expressions, passionate speeches, and constant smile.

“Does wearing camo make you more of a man? That just feels desperate,” commented Spicer, a former aide to Trump who now hosts a podcast that often endorses his ex-boss’s presidential campaign.

On the other hand, Walz’s positive and intentional approach to masculinity resonates with certain voters.

Although he has already voted for Trump, Tim Nguyen, a resident of Philadelphia, shared with YSL News that the former president’s harsh language and personal attacks portray a stale definition of “manliness.”

Nguyen, a 26-year-old accountant, expressed that witnessing politicians show non-aggressive emotions is uplifting. He particularly noted the VP debate, where Vance displayed empathy towards Walz after hearing about his son witnessing a shooting. Nguyen believes that showing feelings, rather than machoism, is a sign of humanity rather than a lack of strength.

“Honestly, they should be running for president,” he remarked. “They were articulate and supportive of each other.”

During the DNC, Walz spoke about his children, prompting an emotional response from his son Gus, who stood up and tearfully exclaimed, “I love you, Dad! That’s my dad!” Walz embraced Gus when his family joined him on stage.

“He portrays his love for his kids, his helpfulness, and neighborliness,” said Diehl. “These traits make him relatable to many men across the country.”

Vance, a father of two young kids, has also highlighted his role as a parent, making the increase in birth rates a key talking point for Trump’s campaign. The Senator from Ohio frequently discusses the challenges families face regarding affordable childcare, aligning with Walz during the debate to advocate for increased government funding for this cause.

While the reaction to Gus’ display in Chicago was largely positive, right-wing commentators and Trump supporters had a different take online.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the YSL News Network, reported on a now-deleted post by Jay Weber, a conservative radio host, reacting to the father-son interaction.

“If the Walzes represent today’s American male, we are in trouble: ‘Meet my son, Gus. He’s a crying softy. His mother and I are so proud of him.’

Daniel Simpson, a first-time voter and University of Michigan student, shared with YSL News that the exchange between Walz and Gus was “refreshing.” He pointed out that being criticized for showing emotions can lead to serious mental health challenges, as men often feel pressured to conceal their feelings of sadness or depression.

“Society expects men to be strong and suppress their emotions,” he said. “This mindset needs to shift; we all share the same feelings.”

For Simpson, Walz’s positive political stance and focus on equity instills hope for the future. This is one reason he voted early for the Harris-Walz ticket.

“To me, that embodies what makes a real man—someone who upholds the values of our nation,” Simpson said. “The Pledge of Allegiance states ‘liberty and justice for all.’