“Weird” is one word to describe Trumpists. There are others. “Misogynistic” comes to mind. So does “mean.” The word “cruel” also fits.
Consider the Trump campaign’s decision to brand Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, running mate of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, “Tampon Tim.” The MAGA crowd points to a law Walz pushed in Minnesota that requires all public schools to provide menstrual products to students from grades 4 through 12. The products, including pads and tampons, are free to the students — a fabulous idea.
For reasons that still perplex researchers, girls are beginning their menstrual cycles earlier these days — some as early as 8 years old. At that age, they can’t remember where they put their schoolbooks, not to mention keeping up with their menstrual flow. As the mother of a teenage daughter, I know that many teachers at her school keep menstrual products on hand for students who might need them.
Republicans object, in part, to inclusive language in the bill that says “menstruating student” rather than simply “girls” or “women.” So what? There is an easy answer to that: Those who don’t need the products won’t use them, no matter how they identify.
Here’s a question for the natalists among Trump’s acolytes, including GOP vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance. If you want women to have more children, as you’ve stated repeatedly, you must understand that women of reproductive capacity menstruate, so how could you oppose giving them the menstrual products they need?
Vance also opposes in vitro fertilization (IVF), which seems to run directly counter to his frequent tirades against the childless. Even as puberty comes earlier, many people are experiencing difficulty with conception. IVF has helped some of those would-be parents to conceive, including Walz and his wife. The governor has described their experience on the national stage, saying he remembers “praying every night” that the procedure had worked. His example of humility and empathy stands in stark contrast to the misogyny on the right.
His compassion also stands in stark contrast to their cruelty. Republicans have run amok trying to paint Walz as a “radical,” but there is nothing in his record to suggest radicalism. Among his accomplishments was a program to provide free breakfast and lunch for all students at his state’s public schools. That does mean that kids from middle-class families can get a free meal — something that hardly qualifies as a communist takeover — but it also means eliminating the stigma for poor kids who won’t have to show up with a “special” lunch ticket. Federal funding covers most of the cost.
By contrast, 14 Republican governors refused to participate in a program that would have helped low-income families buy groceries over the summer. Again, federal funds would have covered the costs, but those MAGA executives simply didn’t want to help families gain access to food. As Nebraska’s GOP governor, Jim Pillen, put it, “I don’t believe in welfare.” (After some bipartisan pressure, Pillen did eventually accept the federal money.)
Walz also signed a bill that ensures reproductive rights in Minnesota. In doing so, the governor did exactly what GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has said should happen — states deciding whether they want to allow women control over their bodies. Ohio, Montana and Kansas are among the red states that have passed laws ensuring reproductive rights. So how is that radical?
A hunter who grew up in rural Nebraska, Walz once got an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association. However, mass shootings changed his mind on gun control, which is just plain common sense. In 2023, he signed provisions that require background checks for gun transfers and that keep those deemed a risk to themselves or others from obtaining firearms — at least temporarily. The radicals stand on the right, insisting that domestic abusers should have weapons and that civilians have a right to bump stocks and large-capacity clips.
Once upon a time, the Republican Party stood in healthy opposition to the Democratic Party, a sign of a functioning two-party system. Moderate Republicans supported a strong national defense (which included support for foreign allies), lower taxes and fewer government regulations. That was the party of people such as George H.W. Bush, his sons George W. and Jeb, and John McCain. George W. Bush branded himself a “compassionate conservative.”
That party no longer exists. The current GOP sees virtue in denying food to poor children. Now that’s weird.
Cynthia Tucker won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 2007. She can be reached at cynthia@cynthiatucker.com.
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