Former vice presidential nominee Governor Tim Walz, D-Minn., embarked on a 'listening tour' across the United States, addressing a Harvard Kennedy School forum on Monday night.

During this event, he clarified his stance on a potential 2028 presidential bid and explained why Kamala Harris picked him as her running mate in 2024.

Walz disclosed that Harris chose him partly because he could effectively communicate with white men from rural America.

He described himself as the 'permission structure' that allowed these demographics to consider voting for Democrats, stating that he would provide a reliable connection but also acknowledge potential issues within his approach.

Walz dismissed concerns over inconsistencies in his background during the 2024 campaign trail, referring to himself as a 'knucklehead'.

Walz also expressed pessimism about the Democratic Party's chances of regaining control of the Senate, emphasizing the need for collective efforts and infrastructure building by 2028.

He claimed that running a non-candidate-centric presidential campaign could strengthen the party’s standing.

In reflecting on the Democrats' losses in 2024, Walz pointed out that while the party excels in terms of policy and competency, it struggles with conveying its message effectively.

This led to a loss of political power.

Walz questioned how the Democratic Party lost its identity as a champion for personal freedoms, middle-class values, and labor rights, leading to a disconnect with potential voters.

Walz's speech was delivered in anticipation of President Donald Trump’s first 100-day celebration and served as a warning to fellow Democrats: without filling the void left by the party's ineffectual messaging, Trump would fill that space.

He expressed skepticism about surviving the remaining 550 days until the midterms, emphasizing the magnitude of the challenge ahead for the Democratic Party.