Tim Walz returns to duties as governor with turkey presentation
- Tim Walz returned to his duties as governor of Minnesota after the recent Harris-Walz ticket's defeat in the presidential election.
- He received a symbolic presentation of a turkey, which will be part of a local family's Thanksgiving dinner, highlighting Minnesota's turkey farming tradition.
- Walz prepares for a challenging legislative session with a divided government, but remains optimistic about finding common ground on issues.
In St. Paul, Minnesota, on November 26, 2024, Tim Walz participated in a symbolic turkey presentation, marking his return to duties as the state's governor. This event followed the recent defeat of the Harris-Walz ticket in the presidential election. The turkey, a 41.8-pound bird named Tom, was raised by a Future Farmers of America leader and is intended for Thanksgiving dinner, emphasizing Minnesota's strong turkey farming tradition. During the ceremony, Walz expressed that unlike turkeys pardoned by the President, this one would not be spared because of Minnesota's culinary culture regarding turkey consumption. Walz's return marks the first public event with reporters since the summer when he was chosen as Kamala Harris's running mate. Though he has been engaging in private meetings with various officials, this occasion signals a renewed focus on public engagements. The governor remarked on his pride in their campaign despite the loss, indicating that they garnered over 74 million votes, showcasing the support for their message. Walz reiterated that he has no regrets about the campaign, seeking to continue advocating for Minnesota's values. As he prepares for the upcoming legislative session in January, he faces a divided Legislature with the House standing at a tie of 67-67 and Republicans controlling the Senate. This situation requires compromise to pass a balanced budget by the session's end in May. Walz expressed optimism about finding common ground, drawing from experiences in 2019 when Minnesota experienced a similar divided government. He believes that working together with the Republican-controlled Senate could lead to significant progress. With Minnesota being the leading turkey production state in the U.S., the event heavily featured themes of local agriculture and community traditions. It served not only as a ceremonial occasion but also as a reminder of the importance of state culture and shared experiences in navigating future challenges. Thus, Walz conveyed hopefulness, indicating that Minnesota still has opportunities to advance positively despite the forthcoming political hurdles.