In a strategic move to garner more backing from male constituents ahead of the imminent election, Democratic vice-presidential contender Gov.
Tim Walz of Minnesota and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York engaged in a friendly game of Madden NFL.
The virtual match was broadcasted live on the popular streaming platform, Twitch, on a Sunday, coinciding with the NFL Sunday games.
As reported by Fox News, the political duo took to the streaming platform to discuss the forthcoming election, using the popular pastime as a backdrop. Ocasio-Cortez initiated the session, revealing that the idea for the live-stream was born a few weeks prior when Walz expressed interest in participating in a gaming stream with her. They settled on Madden, given Walz's past experience as a football coach and his familiarity with the game, which he often played with his children.
Walz joined the live-stream 30 minutes in, donning a camouflage Minnesota Vikings hat, before heading off to a campaign rally in Nevada. The pair wasted no time in launching criticisms at former President Donald Trump, underscoring the urgency of Democrats seizing control of the House and retaining majority control of the Senate. "We dont all share the same politics, we dont all share the same views, but the need to defeat Trump this year has been my number one priority," Ocasio-Cortez stated.
During the live-stream, Walz made a bold promise to Ocasio-Cortez. If he and Kamala Harris were to emerge victorious in the election, he would appoint her as the Speaker of the House. "We're gonna win this election. We're gonna make you put a gavel in your hand in the House," Walz declared.
As the gaming session progressed, the conversation veered towards a potential Harris-Walz administration, with Walz hinting at the possibility of abolishing the filibuster. "Maybe, maybe, some of those norms, I'm just gonna say I don't know where you stand, but I'm guessing you and I are probably the same on the filibuster?" Walz queried. "Oh yeah, we gotta get rid of that thing," Ocasio-Cortez responded. The filibuster is a Senate rule that allows a minority to block legislation pending a supermajority vote.
Harris initially voiced her support for ending the filibuster to reinstate Roe v. Wade era abortion legislation in 2022. She has since made abortion a central issue in her Democratic bid for the presidency this election cycle. She also advocated for ending the filibuster to pass the progressive Green New Deal climate legislation in 2019.
The conversation between Walz and Ocasio-Cortez also touched on the crucial issue of access to Social Security. They shared a poignant moment, bonding over the mutual loss of their fathers during their teenage years. "Gov. Tim Walz and I both lost our dads when we were teenagers. A lot of people dont know that Social Security also helps you if you lose a spouse (or parent, if youre a kid). Its so important we defend and expand it," Ocasio-Cortez shared on social media following the live stream.
Walz, during a campaign rally in North Carolina earlier this month, asserted that his mother relies on her social security check to sustain herself. He claimed that Trump and his "rich friends" are indifferent to the plight of those dependent on Social Security. "When my mom looks for that Social Security deposit to be made in her bank account, that's how she's going to feed herself. That's how she's going to get things done. He [Trump] doesn't give a damn if his Social Security check comes or not," Walz alleged.
Walz also championed the promise that a hundred million Americans would see a tax cut under a Harris presidency. The gaming session concluded after one half, with Walz representing the Minnesota Vikings and Ocasio-Cortez playing for the Buffalo Bills. The final score was a stalemate at 0-0.
Following the game, Walz campaigned in Las Vegas, attending a "Latinos con Harris-Walz" event and a watch party for the Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs game. The Harris-Walz campaign has emphasized the importance of building a network of trusted allies to mobilize their male-driven audiences, including a program called "Athletes for Harris," co-chaired by NBA players Stephen Curry and Chris Paul, and former NBA legend Magic Johnson.
Despite the efforts, Harris has faced criticism for her dwindling support among male voters. An NBC poll conducted in early October found that while Harris leads Trump among women voters, 55% to 41%, Trump leads Harris 56% to 40% among male voters. MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell also highlighted Harris' issues with male voters during an appearance on NBC's "Meet The Press" earlier this month. The question remains whether the gaming session and other strategic moves will be enough to bridge this gap and secure a victory for the Harris-Walz ticket in the upcoming election.
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