Tim Walz, the newly nominated Democratic vice presidential candidate, has come under fire online after a video resurfaced that appears to violate free speech.
“I think we need to push back against this. Misinformation, hate speech, freedom of speech, especially in our democracy, is not guaranteed,” Walz said in the eight-second video. Circulated On social media.
context
This short clip is MSNBC from December Waltz was talking about statements that were used to influence the last election, and the interviewer asked about attempts to deceive voters in elections, something that was previously considered “bad hoax” but that, in her words, is becoming more “sinister.”
“Years ago, it was just little things like urging people to vote the day after the election, and we ignored it. Now we know that it’s ballot box intimidation. That undermines the idea that voting by mail is illegal,” Walz responded.
“This is a dangerous and unconstitutional idea. If the First Amendment only protects ‘true’ speech, then it becomes the government that decides what is true.”
“I think we need to push back against this. Misinformation, hate speech, freedom of speech, especially when it comes to our democracy, is not guaranteed,” he added. “Speaking the truth, where the polling places are, who can vote, who can be there, and seeing some states continue to weaken protections around voting, I think that motivates us to take on this.”
Walz was referring to the prosecution of Douglas McKee, who ran a pro-Trump account that posted memes that misinformed Democratic voters during the 2016 election. Sentenced Many on the right denounced it as a politically motivated violation of free speech and sentenced him to seven months in prison.
Repulsion
Many rushed to criticize Walz for taking a stance against free speech, even in cases where it would be classified as hate speech or misinformation.
“This is a dangerous and unconstitutional idea. If the First Amendment only protects ‘true’ speech, then it’s up to the government to decide what is true. That means there is no free speech.” Reply Jason Bedrick of the Heritage Foundation.
“This is indeed a false alarm and disturbing. However, as a D-ticket guy, it seems pretty on-brand. I hope high school students make it out of his class without this lecture!” Said Commentator Mary Katharine Hamm.
“Apparently he was a social studies teacher. In all fairness, this is entirely consistent with the quality of lessons he had his high school football coach teach.” Responded Author Emily Zanotti.
“This is who Tim Waltz really is: an angry, unpleasant Communist. He’s not the smiling, happy ‘Dad’ they make us out to be.” read Another response.
Like Blaze News? Bypass the censorship and sign up for our newsletter to receive stories like this directly to your inbox. Register here!
