Chapter 1: The Unwelcome Normalcy of Weirdness

In the current political landscape, concepts like “Democracy,” “Liberty,” and “Freedom” are often touted, yet they seem powerless against the overwhelming rhetoric from the GOP. While we all advocate for democracy, do we truly feel its presence? We desire liberty and freedom, but after an election season riddled with chaos, can we envision what these ideals might look like? I would argue that our vision is obscured at this point. This is why a term recently introduced to the 2024 presidential discourse by vice presidential candidate Mike Walz is so refreshing.

“I’m telling you,” Walz remarked during a recent television segment, “these individuals are just strange.”

Indeed, they are.

The term “weird” resonates on a fundamental level, capturing the feelings of many Americans, especially those in pivotal Midwestern states, who may not voice their discomfort with the bizarre actions and statements of current Republican candidates. From peculiar ear bandages to the banning of literature, labeling women without children as “cat ladies,” and the baseless fears that George Soros is orchestrating mass flights of women to procure abortions—these are indeed odd phenomena that have led to further strangeness with dire repercussions.

Moreover, “weird” serves as a reminder of the astonishing peculiarities that characterized the administration of the GOP's former leader. There were claims suggesting that COVID patients could recover through disinfectant injections, a bizarre Christmas phone call to a child questioning their belief in Santa Claus, and unfounded assertions that wind farms induce cancer or that Sweden had endured a terrorist attack that never actually occurred. Even the absurd claim that exercising could shorten one’s life is part of this strange narrative.

These are indeed bizarre occurrences that have sparked even more unsettling outcomes.

Consider the sight of a mob storming the Capitol, led by a man adorned with horns and wielding a spear. Another individual, armed and erratic, invaded a pizzeria in search of non-existent child predators hidden in the basement. A now-convicted podcaster suggested that grieving parents of mass shooting victims had orchestrated the deaths of their own children.

So yes, these individuals are undeniably strange. It goes without saying that they are also dangerous.

Let it echo from the mountaintops and resound throughout this fractured nation filled with countless podcasts, newsletters, and TikToks:

These individuals are indeed weird.

The first video titled "Nobody's Asking For That Weird Crap" features Tim Walz critiquing Trump and the GOP's policy platform, emphasizing the absurdity of their positions and actions.

Chapter 2: Acknowledging the Absurd

In Philadelphia, Walz did not hold back in his criticism, labeling Trump and Vance as "creepy" and "weird as hell." His remarks are a necessary call to recognize the troubling behaviors that have become normalized within the party.

This second video showcases Walz's candid take on the bizarre antics of GOP figures, urging viewers to remain vigilant and critical of their actions.