Tim Walz attends annual rival high school football game in town where he taught

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) has maintained that he's just like any working-class, Midwestern American, except he's absolutely not. Far from it.

According to Fox 9, in his latest attempt to look like one of the guys, Walz announced that he would be attending a highly anticipated rivalry high school football game in Mankato -- the area where Walz used to teach.

Playing were the Mankato West Scarlets and the Mankato East Cougars. The Mankato West Scarlets have won the past 18 games in the annual rivalry.

Walz also used to coach for Mankato West. He was a defensive coordinator, according to the report.

The game was to be held at Mankato State University, and it's known as the "jug" game. Thousands were expected to attend the traditional, popular game.

Gov. Tim Walz, vice presidential candidate, speaks to players at Mankato West High School, where he was once a geography teacher and assistant football coach. Walz is in town for the annual cross city rivalry game and as part of campaigning. pic.twitter.com/JF3IVHe0QV

— J.p. Lawrence (@JpLawrence3) October 11, 2024

As many pointed out, the moment was clearly for as many photo ops as possible for the Harris-Walz campaign.

Social media blew up after Walz's visit, with reported eyewitnesses at the game reporting that Walz received a lukewarm reception from players and parents, at best.

Some photos emerged of some of the Mankato West football players sporting the words "Trump 2024" on their towels hanging off their uniform.

One parent posted about her experience with Walz attending the game in an X post.

"There was no standing ovation, only a few claps. Maybe 10 people wanted their picture with him, and 90% of all the football players had shirts that said, "Trump 2024." I was very proud of the parents. We all kept our cool. We respected that this is the kids' game. Parents brought no negativity. We kept our mouth shut," the parent wrote.

She added, "Let Tim do his photo up, walked his walk, and then he left before halftime, so all that security parents and kids not allowed to bring half the things we normally, booster club wasn’t allowed to sell one thing which was a loss of money for both teams, all todo this for his 10 minutes photo opp... if he really cared about the jug game, he would’ve been there when he was the governor... but I am very proud of both the east and the west parents for making this about the kids!!"

"But I’m also laughed out loud with all the football players wearing their shirts underneath her jersey that said Trump 24 hanging out!! let the kids do what they feel. It’s their game!! 18th year with the jug!" she continued.

Clearly, Walz's appearance at the game didn't do much for his campaign, and if anything, it totally backfired.