Governor Tim Walz (D-Minn.), who recently ran unsuccessfully as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, has drawn attention for comments about his financial situation, describing himself as one of the "poorest" candidates to seek the office.
Walz discussed his experiences during a recent interview, portraying his financial status as relatable to average Americans who face everyday challenges of managing bills and expenses.
In the interview, Walz noted that his modest financial standing compared to other candidates should have been an asset in connecting with voters.
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"I thought it was a real flex when the Wall Street Journal pointed out that I might have been the least wealthy person to ever run for vice president," he said.
"I thought that would be something people say, well, this guy knows where we're coming from. He's had to pay his bills."
Walz's annual income, however, tells a different story.
According to Time Magazine, Walz earned approximately $299,000 in total income, including $135,000 from pensions and annuities.
His net worth as of 2024 is reported to be just over $1 million.
These figures place him far above the average American income of $63,795 annually and significantly higher than the median income in some states, which is closer to $50,000.
Walz's comments sparked widespread criticism online, with many Americans finding his claims of financial struggle out of touch.
Social media users were quick to point out that his income and net worth place him firmly in the upper echelon of earners compared to the average American.
For many, his remarks highlighted the disconnect between political elites and everyday citizens facing real financial hardships.
While Walz positioned his financial situation as a point of relatability, the statistics suggest otherwise.
The average American household earns far less than Walz's combined income, and many families struggle to make ends meet amid rising costs of living.
Critics argue that framing himself as "poor" or struggling undermines the financial challenges faced by millions of Americans living paycheck to paycheck.
Walz's net worth, estimated at over $1 million, includes his annual governor's salary and additional income sources such as pensions.
In contrast, nearly half of all Americans would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense, according to Federal Reserve data.
Walz's attempt to leverage his financial standing as a relatable quality did not resonate with voters, who ultimately rejected the Democratic ticket.
As the fallout from the election continues, Walz's remarks serve as a reminder of the growing gap between political rhetoric and the lived experiences of everyday citizens.
While he aimed to present himself as an everyman, the response indicates many Americans felt the portrayal fell short of reality.
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