VP candidate Tim Walz makes campaign visit to Macon

Minnesota governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz touched down at Macon Regional Airport around 9:45 p.m. Monday. A row of Macon public officials and black SUVs were lined up on the tarmac awaiting his arrival.

Preceded by a procession of staffers and Secret Service agents, Walz descended  from the rear of the plane wearing a gray sweater and khakis at about 10 p.m., accompanied by his daughter Hope.

He shook hands, took selfies and exchanged some words with local Democratic party officials, including state representative Miriam Paris, and several union officials, before being whisked away to Hotel Forty Five to stay the night.

Walz is the first vice presidential candidate to visit Macon during this election cycle. Walz and current vice president Kamala Harris visited southern Georgia on their way to Savannah earlier this month.

Tuesday, at around 9:50 a.m. Walz emerged from the back doors of the hotel and was greeted by chants of “Tampon Tim” and “stolen valor” from nearly 40 Trump supporters across the street.

Walz hopped into another black SUV and the motorcade snaked its way to the first stop, a lamp store with a sign out front that read “Kamala for President,” which also happens to be the Democratic Party’s Macon headquarters.

Inside, volunteers and Harris-Walz campaign staffers packed the room. They were making calls to convince Georgians to register to vote and vote for their campaign.

Walz visited Macon on National Voter Registration Day, and this stop is the first of many national Harris-Walz appearances starting this month to increase voter registration. 

The governor addressed the room, urging people to get the word out about voting, asking for folks to have discussions with their neighbors and noting the importance of Georgia as a crucial swing state.

“Winning an election is a means to an end,” he said. “The end is an inclusive and more fair society where everybody belongs, and we’re working hard for the people who we know our policies will improve their lives, whether they vote for us or not.”

After his remarks, Walz joined volunteers on the phones, answering questions and convincing prospective voters.

Ralph Stith, a 52-year-old retired Army veteran, was volunteering at the phone bank, and said he feels like Walz is someone who he can follow, especially given his military background and work on the veterans committee.

He likened Walz’s visit to a general visiting soldiers on the front line and said he felt encouraged by Walz’s appearance.

“It was good for him to show up and energize everyone, and speak on issues we’re all putting out there,” Stith said.  “That let me know that he’s listening.”

Walz continued his Macon expedition with a visit to H&H. Once the Secret Service shuttled him inside, he introduced himself and said he was excited to try the place he had heard so much about.

The governor went up to every patron in the restaurant and sat with them, took pictures and thanked them for their support. He even went up to the counter and bought a few Midnight Riders.

After getting his food to go, Walz returned to the airport and took off for more political appearances in Atlanta.